Greetings!
GOD is Good! You know what's coming next, don't you? At least, you probably expect some type of praise report, and that's exactly what you'll get.
My eye surgery was very successful, my wife was able to take some time off and be my 'nurse' after the operation, the healing process is going well, our financial needs were met while I was off work on disability, we launched a new ministry program while I was recuperating, I had a job to return to after my leave, I felt appreciated by my co-workers and clients when I went back to work, and on top of all that, God continues to show me at a deeper level that I receive His blessings because of His mercy, and nothing I do.
He's also helping me see that the praise statement I opened this letter with (GOD is Good) should be on my lips and in my heart even if the surgery had failed, my wife had abandoned me, and my employer had gone bankrupt and left me without a job to return to. Maybe you praise Him in the midst of all circumstances, but I don't...yet!
And there's an evangelistic side-bar to that. God wants us to be authentic, and when people doubt our story about Christ, I know from experience it can be because of what they see as hypocrisy. For instance, they might hear 'God is good' when our prayer for help is answered by His gracious yes. Much less often, if at all, will we share about His goodness in the midst of our pain or loss.
There's something you can pray for...that I will be authentic as I live out my life in front of the unconvinced, and that God will enable me to help other Christians do the same, through our ministry. And if we're not at the place spiritually to praise him in the midst of a particular trial, then at least may we share with our unbelieving friends, why He deserves our praise.
Sincerely in Christ,
Scott
Scott McIntyre
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