2025-07-06 GOOD GOD, HARD LIFE: TRUSTING GOD'S GOODNESS IN A BROKEN WORLD

Discovering God’s Goodness: Finding Refuge in Life’s Challenges

Ever wonder why life can be so hard if God is truly good? This question resonates with many of us, especially when we face unexpected trials and tribulations. In a world filled with suffering and pain, how do we reconcile these experiences with the belief in a benevolent God? Let’s explore this profound question and discover how we can find refuge in God’s goodness, even amidst life’s challenges.

David’s Journey: A Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

Imagine being on the run, fearing for your life, and seeking refuge in the most unlikely places. This was the reality for David, the future king of Israel, as he fled from King Saul. In the midst of his trials, David penned Psalm 34, a powerful testimony of God’s goodness. “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8). Despite his circumstances, David experienced God’s faithfulness firsthand, reminding us that God’s goodness is not dependent on our situation.

The Tension We All Feel

Life’s hardships often leave us questioning God’s goodness. If God is so good, why do we experience pain and suffering? This tension is something we all feel. Yet, it’s in these moments of struggle that we are invited to experience God’s goodness more deeply. The Bible consistently reveals that God is good, even when life is hard. As C.S. Lewis once noted, we recognize injustice because we know what justice looks like. Similarly, we understand suffering because we have glimpsed God’s goodness.

An Invitation to Experience God’s Goodness

David’s invitation to “taste and see” is a call to experience God’s goodness personally. It’s not just a philosophical idea but a practical, life-changing encounter. Throughout history, countless individuals have found refuge in God during their darkest times. From Abraham to the apostles, God’s faithfulness shines through their stories. Today, we are invited to do the same. When we face trials, we can turn to God, trusting that He will walk with us through the valley and bring us to a place of peace.

Practical Steps to Embrace God’s Goodness

1. Reflect on God’s Faithfulness: Take time to remember moments when God has been faithful in your life. Write them down and thank Him for His goodness.

2. Seek God in Solitude: Set aside quiet moments to listen for God’s voice. In solitude, we can hear Him more clearly and find comfort in His presence.

3. Share Your Testimony: Like David, share your experiences of God’s goodness with others. Your story can encourage and inspire those around you.

A Call to Action

As we navigate life’s challenges, let us choose to take refuge in God’s goodness. When was the last time you paused to listen for God? This week, make it a priority to seek Him in solitude and reflect on His faithfulness. Share your journey with others, and invite them to experience God’s goodness too.

Closing Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your unwavering goodness, even when life is hard. Help us to find refuge in You and to trust in Your faithfulness. May we experience Your presence in our trials and share Your goodness with those around us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

By embracing God’s goodness, we can find peace and strength in the midst of life’s challenges. Let’s take refuge in Him and discover the blessings that come from trusting in His unfailing love.

2025 06-29 CHRISTIANITY DOES NOT HAVE A RETIREMENT PLAN

Christianity Doesn’t Have A Retirement Plan

As we journey through life, it’s easy to slip into the mindset that certain seasons are meant for stepping back—especially as we age or face physical limitations. Yet, Christianity offers us a profound truth: there's no retirement plan in the Kingdom of God. Our calling to serve Him doesn’t diminish with age; in fact, it often deepens. Let's explore some powerful Scriptures that illuminate this idea.

1. Embracing Our Weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

The Apostle Paul, in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, gives us a striking reminder about God's strength being most evident in our weaknesses. He writes, “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’” This beautiful declaration encourages us to see our limitations not as barriers but as opportunities for divine strength.

When we feel inadequate or question our ability to serve, we can find comfort in knowing that it is precisely in those moments that Christ's power shines brightest. Just as Paul took pride in his weaknesses, we, too, can find joy in our struggles, trusting that God is at work in us and through us, even when we feel less capable.

2. Service Through Our Gifts (1 Peter 4:10)

In 1 Peter 4:10, we are reminded of the unique gifts each believer possesses: “Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.” Every one of us has been entrusted with talents designed for serving others.

This verse invites us to consider how we can continue to use those gifts throughout our lives. Age doesn’t disqualify us; instead, it can enrich our service with wisdom and experience. Whether we choose to mentor someone, volunteer, or engage in simple acts of kindness, there’s always a way for us to contribute to God’s work, showing that our calling persists long beyond traditional retirement.

3. Confidence in God’s Ongoing Work (Philippians 1:6)

Philippians 1:6 reassures us with these words: “I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” This powerful statement fills us with confidence that God is actively working in us throughout our lives.

His plans and purposes do not come to a halt; instead, they continue to unfold as we remain faithful. No matter where we find ourselves on this journey, we can trust that God equips us for His work, affirming that every contribution, big or small, matters deeply in His Kingdom.

4. The Wisdom of Maturity (Titus 2:2-5)

In Titus 2:2-5, we learn about the crucial role older believers play in shaping the church community. The passage highlights that older men and women are called to teach and mentor younger generations: “Older men are to be sober-minded... Older women are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers... They are to teach what is good.”

This call to teach and guide isn’t exclusive to a select few; it’s a lifelong responsibility for those who have walked faithfully with God. Our experiences carry great weight, and the insights we’ve gained can lead others closer to Christ. This illustrates perfectly that even when we feel it might be time to "retire" from active service, God may be inviting us to shift into roles that reflect our accumulated wisdom.

Conclusion: Serve with Purpose at Every Age

The beauty of Christianity is that it knows no age limit. From the youngest to the oldest, we are all called to serve, support, and share God’s love in our communities. As we reflect on these Scriptures, may we be encouraged to embrace our roles, however they may evolve, understanding that God still has significant work for us to do.

The reality is, Christianity doesn’t have a retirement plan—and that’s truly wonderful news. Let’s step boldly into our purpose, aware that our service transforms lives and glorifies God at every stage of life.