Lesson 1 of 30: God is still good, even when it hurts

More often than not, I have to remind myself of this truth because sometimes life doesn’t always look like it’s working out. Things happen that shake us, plans fall apart, and it’s tempting to wonder if He’s still there or still working for good. A good chunk of my "wilderness" season, hidden over the past 4 years, felt like this.

There was a brief point when in obedience to God, I went to the United States to evangelize for an unknown period of time, and within a couple of months, I experienced financial depletion, police harrasment, accusation, rejection and eventually for peace sake resorted to homelessness in the winter with my few belongings, a large teddy bear and a blanket in a car I borrowed where the heat worked on one side.

God called me away from my medical practice, godchildren, dreams, aspirations, and new car that didn't need heat because I lived in a beautiful home with a very comfortable bed on the beautiful warm island of Jamaica-- to this. To be honest, my heart hurt deeply. I felt forsaken by God without a doubt. Much like Christ, when He was on the cross crying out to God, Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani. Like Christ, I died to everything I was and knew. Like Christ, I rose again for God's glory. Kim, rose.

Knowing God's heart was the best thing that ever happened to me. In fact that's what the bible says is eternal life. Even in the darkest of times, when I can't trace His hand, I trust His heart. No matter how it looks, God has a plan, and through these trials, I have really learned to trust Him.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." — Jeremiah 29:11 

God has a plan for me — for you — and it’s good, even when it doesn’t feel that way. His goodness isn’t based on our feelings, how smooth life is going, or how perfect we are. God's goodness isn't based on our goodness. We aren't God; He is. We don't define God; God defines God. Goodness is in His character and He is faithful in every season, even when it hurts.

"The Lord is good to all; He has compassion on all He has made." — Psalm 145:9 

Sometimes, it’s hard to wait or trust when things aren’t going the way we understood God said they would or when things are not going our own way, especially when you've had many failed expectations and perceived delays. But I’ve learned this: God knows what He’s doing. He’s not scrambling for a backup plan when my life feels like it’s falling apart. He’s weaving every piece together for something good. He planned this whole thing out and considered our weaknesses, strengths, and what would happen along the way, including the bad decisions, good decisions, best attempts, and the disobedience. And guess what? He chose to choose and love you anyway, and best believe it wasn't so you can fail. Best believe everything works together for good with God, and if it's not good yet, you just haven't lived long enough (mic drop).

"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." — Romans 8:28

Christ Jesus never fails, and Christ is in me, so what do you think that means? That's right, you guessed it. I can not fail by default. Neither can you if you accept Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior and walk with Him, 'cause then, He will be in you too. By the way, Have you done that already? If not shoot me a message I can help you with that. 

CONCLUSION

For my 30's, I choose to rest in God's promises, even when it’s hard because God’s goodness isn’t a maybe — it’s a guarantee. Obviously, it's not as easy as that all the time. Resting in the midst of the storm can be.. heavy. That beloved, is why we have His grace, which simply put is His empowerment. God is a heavy weight champion so we dont have to be. We were never expected by God, to do what He called us to do, without Him. This includes resting in the storm, following His plan and believing He still has good intentions, even when it hurts.

Now that you know, let's grow,

-Kimrose🌹