“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)

All things mean all things, like everything! There is no trace of evil within Him. He did not cause the loss of your job, or the death of your child just to teach you a lesson or to grow your faith. But He definitely takes the “evil” things, meets us there and walks with us through them.

We are instructed in the Psalms to give thanks to God because of His goodness, “for He is good” (Psalm 136:1)! We’re told to taste and see that He is good (Psalm 34:8). To accuse God of evil, of being the author or cause of evil is absolutely incorrect! Even in the very first book in the Bible we discover that He takes what is evil and turns it into good, for those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Genesis 50:20).

God has never forsaken us! He did not abandon us these past few years. As evil as things are, God’s goodness is greater! Good overcomes evil. God’s goodness, as expressed through His kindness leads to repentance (Romans 2:4). Judgment does not draw people to God! But His goodness does. If you are accusing God of the evil of these past few years, repent of it! Begin proclaiming that God is absolutely, and completely good!

Thank the Lord for His goodness, for His loving-kindness and His mercy! Thank Him for not forsaking you or abandoning you these past few years. Thank Him that His love endures forever. Ask Him now for His goodness to ooze from you, to pour out of every aspect of your being to those around you! Ask Him to change the way you talk in order to reflect His goodness! Proclaim His goodness over your life, over your marriage, over your family, your neighborhood, your church, our city and our nation.