Goodness overflows

How merciful is our God! He doesn’t withhold his kindness from those who wait for Him. Blessed be His name among the nations. When our soul feels down and weary because of the burdens of this world, let us lay aside all those burdens and come to Him. He is the source of our rejuvenation and renewal. Remembering His goodness and mercy brings back the strength of our youth.

Don’t be discouraged. As we are still in the world, we are struggling. Yet, God’s goodness cannot fail. He is with us and transforming us into His likeness. And this transformation calls out for our authentic participation. For we are created in His image, we are given strength to freely submit and to joyfully trust our being to Him who creates us. Thus, here is faith takes part.

Remember how Israelite cried out before the Lord for their suffering was great in Egypt. God in His mercy remembered them and called Moses to lead them out of Egypt. God gave his benevolent providence along the way. Israelite, seeing the signs were greatly rejoiced. However, as we noticed from the Holy scriptures, that they actually had the mental belief on what God could do, but they got a problem: they were willing to belief, but not to suffer for the Lord’s sake. Although the truth is believing and suffering belong  together as privilege (Php 1:29). In this case, I was always touched by such beautiful heart that Abraham had in willingly obeying God despite of what might be unto him. The same thing also happened to Joseph in his responses in waiting in hope of deliverance from God.

It is great that we witness and are touched by the wonders that God makes in our lives. He is indeed good all the time. Yet, remember, it is suffering which leads us to greater wisdom, purer faith and faith made into sight. It is through that narrow path that we trod into the kingdom of Heaven, following the footstep of Christ. Well, it might or might not means being physically persecuted or anything related to us like right in our face. It might be  something simple and tangible like trusting that God will keep us and true to His words when He says, ‘do not be anxious about what you need’. It might mean to stay and choose what He desires even though we might things to go in our own way, etc.

When I reflected on these two persons among many persons in the book of Genesis , people of God whom were so dear to His heart: Abraham and Joseph, I noticed that at least these things are apparent. They trusted God, like really trusted. Not only believing, but they also were willing to suffer, to wait in dark times which human eyes could not really see, to endure hardship and to surrender their lives to the guidance of the Lord. Inspite of their suffering though, surprisingly they were generous and mindful of others. It was their trust in the goodness of the Lord which made their heart filled with goodness. Thus, from a heart which has been touched by such humility, goodness overflows.

Are we willing to trust in God’s goodness, to suffer for the sake of our faith in Him, and to love others in whatever conditions that face us? Love is... when we remember others  and the urge of goodness, namely good thoughts, intentions and willingness arises in such a way and we act upon it.