Refined - Finding Joy in the Midst of the FireSample

Even knowing that God is eternally good and that He holds the final authority on every event that is allowed to touch our lives, we still wonder why evil is such a relentless component of life on Earth. It is hard to wrap finite, human minds around the juxtaposition of God’s goodness, man’s sinful nature, and the enemy’s evil schemes. While theologians from every historical juncture have endeavored to explain the dilemma of good versus evil, there may be issues that are unanswerable this side of eternity. That is why it is imperative to default to the fact that God is eternally, perpetually, and generously good whenever one is confronted with evil. The fact remains, however, that evil exists and has set many horrific fires for those who live for Christ this side of eternity. Evil is opposition to God and to His plan, and it is utterly and completely dissimilar to all that He is. God never shows compliance or tolerance for evil. There is not one drop of evil in God . . . not one cell . . . and not one atom. God has no evil in Him, and He will never change to accommodate evil or sin. His plans are for good and not for evil. His heart abounds with the goodness of Heaven, and He sits on His throne in anticipation of sharing all that He is and all that He has with His children. Your God is a perpetual goodness machine! He never stops being or doing good because He knows of no other way to be than completely, utterly, and eternally good! If God’s goodness was stunted or even paused by our compromising behavior, then He would not be totally good and would at least have some “neutral” in Him. However, because His goodness is never determined by our behavior, it is impossible for God to ever be anything but unconditionally good. The words of God to the prophet Jeremiah confirm that He has no intention of ever being anything but good. God has made a covenant with His children that He is continually following them with His goodness. I don’t know anyone else like this! God’s goodness is chasing you down regardless of your past or your sinful choices! God’s goodness will not leave you alone today or tomorrow. It is His unalterable promise to you.