Something Good
Posted by: ba <ba@...>
Straight to the Cross
COLUMN: Field Notes
Something Good
By Michael E. Brooks
"And we know that God causes all things to work
together for good to those who love God, to those
who are called according to His purpose" (Romans
8:28).
I continue to be surprised at the number of edible
parts of plants and animals that people of
undeveloped nations have discovered. I was in
Bangladesh this last time during the season of
gathering sap from various species of palm trees.
Some kinds of sap were used in preparing main
dishes, some in desserts and candies, some in a
type of syrup. I have observed at other times that
roots, leaves and fruits are regularly consumed
that I never dreamed were at all edible, much less
so tasty. Some portions of plants are eaten even
though other portions of the same plant are
poisonous. Amazing!
But it shouldn't be such a surprise. God who made
the world is a loving and wise God, who "did good
and gave [us] rains from heaven and fruitful
seasons, satisfying [our] hearts with food and
gladness" (Acts 14:17). He "has granted to us
everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2
Peter 1:3). Our God created this universe and us
in it as a testimony to his wisdom, power and
love. There is good everywhere, and in everything.
Now that does not mean that there is no evil, nor
that everything is wholly good. Satan has invaded
this world, and he has introduced evil. Just as
some plants have poisonous parts, so there is the
capacity to harm and destroy all around us. But
evil is neither all powerful nor all present. Some
would argue that the world is wholly an evil
place. That the suffering and sin we see
contaminates everything. But our own experiences
refute any such claim. From the innocent smile on
the face of an infant to the beautiful sunsets
each evening, we see beauty and goodness all
around us.
The key is to trust God and wait for him to show
us his plan and purpose. Good can come from any
situation, even from the direst of problems and
the greatest of losses. God is that wise. He is
that powerful. And he is that loving. But we must
trust him. We must follow him. His greatest
blessings are given to those who have answered his
call, and who love him. To those good abounds.
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