I used to say this phrase so easily that it practically just rolled off my lips. Did I mean it? Absolutely. But then very hard things in life occur and sometimes you are forced to reevaluate what you used to say so easily...and sometimes someone asks you if you still believe despite those circumstances. I received an email from a former student today asking me do I believe God is still good (despite my health issues, pain, and heartbreak these last several years) . I wept because I knew the heartbreak surrounding this question in this individuals life and I wish I was well enough to travel and say face to face what my heart is screaming. Yes, absolutely yes!! Circumstances, if we let them can be refining windows into our hearts shining a light on what we believe. The "and if not" parts of life...even if I am never healed, never see my dreams come true, or if the secret longings that are deep inside of me never happen ...it is okay. It doesn't change His goodness. I promise, my dear former student. I can attest in new ways and in more marvelous ways then I could years ago in the classroom. Instead of seeing pain I am brought to my knees by God's goodness. His faithfulness astounds me and His mercies meet each new day. The hard and difficult don't change who He is. I promise...no matter the "and if not"...He is still good...so very good.

(This post was taken from my instagram account but wanted to share with you my sweet readers and friends. Praying for each of you.)

AnonymousJuly 1, 2015 at 11:47 AM
Such an unbelievably true, and hard statement to say -- ironically, I wrote this down in my work journal just last week. He is always good. // xoxo - Ashley
Caroline @ In Due TimeJuly 1, 2015 at 12:49 PM
Amen! SUCH truth! It's true faith that when we are extremely tested we can say 'yes, Lord - you are STILL good'
Shelbi HuntterJuly 1, 2015 at 9:17 PM
So much truth!! Love this and can attest to His Goodness over and over and over!!
CherylJuly 2, 2015 at 5:50 AM
Bless your dear heart! Your unshakable faith is truly an inspiration. It is easy to say God is good, when things are going good. It is quite different when adversities abound on every hand and nothing at all seems to be going "good". It reminds me of the song, "The God Of The Mountain"...one verse says, "You talk of faith when you're up on the mountain, but talk comes so easy, when life's at its best; but, it's down in the valley of trials and temptations, that's when faith is really put to the test." The God of the mountain is still God in the valley, praise His name. Sometimes, the burdens are so heavy, I feel I can barely breathe, but He is the Source of all things, even the very breath we breathe. To turn against Him in those places would be utter foolishness and absurdity at its highest.

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