Give up the Good

It makes me exceedingly sad when I hear of someone, especially Christians, lose hope, belief, trust when bad things happen. Usually something extreme – a death, a betrayal, a sickness.

Recently I was diagnosed with what will be a lifelong illness. At the same time, the doctor told me I might also have another, even more frightening disease.

But I never doubted God. Not for a second. He always follows through. And his promises are awesome.

Thanks to this experience, I now know as truth some things that I only suspected before.

1. I’m in a good place with God.

At the revelation of this possible diagnosis, my doctor said something profound that I hope he says to all his patients who receive bad news. “This doesn’t mean God is mad at you.” Even when I heard the scary possibility I faced, I never for even a moment thought God was mad at me. Or that it was his fault that it happened. Or doubted that he would see me through whatever life would bring as a result. I wasn’t always so trusting of him, so I know I’ve grown in my faith. I still have growing to do, and I can’t be satisfied because I’m in a good place in this walk, but it’s a vast improvement from where I used to be.

2. True friends will follow through when it really matters.

I never doubted God, but I did fear my husband would regret his promise to love me for better or for worse, in sickness and in health. Though he’s never given me a reason to doubt his love, I was afraid because I know that as humans, we break our promises. I’m thankful my fear was needless, but I did doubt. But those who are truly worthy of your love and friendship are those who won’t abandon you in times of need, physical or emotional. The others aren’t worth your time even when all is well. As Marilyn Monroe is often quoted as saying, “If you don’t love me at my worst, you don’t deserve me at my best.”

3. Things will work together for my good.

Whether in this life or the next, God will work this situation out for me. He has worked out every situation in the past – when I’ve been hurt, when I’ve majorly screwed up. Some lessons are easy, some are painful. But I know he’ll work out every situation I face to make me a better person. Thinking about this always reminds me of my grandmother’s favorite Bible verse: Romans 8:28.

4. Other people can benefit from our trials

Lots of people become huge advocates for change and hope because of the situations they have faced. A friend of mine beat cancer and then suffered a relapse. She has not lost hope, and she spreads hope to others who are diagnosed. For me, if I can show even one other person that God is trustworthy, my troubles will work out for good.

I’ll leave you with a verse I’ve been relying on heavily lately: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” Joshua 1:9

Has God ever let you down?