Weekly Sermon Recap - 6.29.25

The Nature of God: Goodness in the Face of Adversity

In a world filled with challenges, hardships, and unexpected twists, it's easy to question the nature of God. When tragedy strikes or life takes an unwelcome turn, we might find ourselves wondering: Is God truly good? Does He cause our suffering to teach us lessons? These are profound questions that have troubled believers and skeptics alike for centuries.

The book of Job in the Bible presents a perplexing narrative that has often been misinterpreted. Job, a righteous man, suffers immense loss and pain. In his anguish, he declares, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away." While this statement is recorded in scripture, it's crucial to understand that it reflects Job's limited understanding of God at that moment, not an absolute truth about God's nature.

The reality is that God is fundamentally good. Jesus Himself declared in John 10:10, "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." This powerful statement draws a clear distinction between the works of evil and the intentions of God. God's desire is not to inflict pain or loss, but to give abundant life.

So why do bad things happen? The uncomfortable truth is that we live in a fallen world where evil exists. Satan, described as a thief and a liar, actively works to destroy, steal, and kill. It's essential to recognize that not everything that happens is God's will or God's doing. We have free will, and unfortunately, that means humans can make choices that harm themselves and others. Additionally, we live in a physical world subject to natural laws and decay.

However, this doesn't mean God is powerless or uninvolved. Rather, He offers us hope, strength, and guidance to navigate life's challenges. As believers, we're called to trust in God's goodness even when circumstances seem to contradict it. This isn't blind faith, but a deep understanding of God's character as revealed throughout scripture and ultimately in the person of Jesus Christ.

Consider how Jesus interacted with those who were suffering. He never once told someone their illness or misfortune was God's way of teaching them a lesson. Instead, He healed, comforted, and restored. Acts 10:38 tells us that Jesus "went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil." This is a powerful insight into God's heart towards human suffering.

It's also important to address the misconception that God uses tragedy to draw us closer to Him. While it's true that we can learn and grow through difficult experiences, it's not because God orchestrated those hardships. The idea that God would kill a child to teach a parent to rely more on Him is a grotesque distortion of God's character. Such thinking paints God as manipulative and cruel, which is the antithesis of His true nature.

In times of confusion or pain, we must anchor ourselves to what we know to be true about God. He is good. He is love. He desires to give us life abundantly. When we encounter teachings or ideas that contradict these fundamental truths, we should examine them critically, no matter how spiritual or religious they may sound.

This doesn't mean life will be free from trouble. Jesus Himself said, "In this world you will have trouble." But He immediately followed with, "But take heart! I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). This is the hope we cling to – not that we'll never face difficulties, but that we have a God who is with us through them and who has ultimately overcome.

As we navigate life's complexities, it's crucial to develop a robust understanding of God's character. This comes through studying His Word, experiencing His presence, and observing His work in our lives and the world around us. Like Job, we may start with an incomplete picture of who God is. But as we grow in our relationship with Him, we can come to a place where we, like Job, can say, "My ears had heard of you but now my eyes have seen you" (Job 42:5).

Let's be careful not to blame God for the evil in this world or attribute to Him actions that contradict His nature. Instead, let's focus on knowing Him more deeply, trusting in His goodness, and partnering with Him to bring more of His light and love into the world.

In practical terms, this means approaching life's challenges with hope and resilience. It means offering comfort to those who are suffering, not with trite explanations or by blaming God, but by embodying His love and compassion. It means standing firm against evil and injustice, knowing that these things grieve God's heart as much as they do ours.

As we face an uncertain future in a world that seems increasingly chaotic, let's hold fast to the truth of God's goodness. Let's be people who, in the face of adversity, can confidently say, "God is good." Not because life is perfect, but because we know the perfect nature of our God.

May we grow in our understanding of who God truly is, shedding misconceptions and embracing the fullness of His love, grace, and goodness. And may this knowledge transform not only our own lives but also how we interact with a world desperately in need of hope.