God is good! I have been reminded of the truth of God’s goodness several times over my first month at IFI. Beginning with a class on our Identity, we learned that just as Satan tempted Adam and Eve, by making them doubt God’s goodness, he continues to tell us the same lie today. I wonder why we so easily fall for such a lie that is so obviously untrue, but I know that it doesn’t come to us so plainly. It is often hidden within our fears, disappointments and weaknesses. I know from my own experience, I have been questioning God’s goodness, because I sense that He is asking me to give up things, I do not want to give up and cannot understand why He would want me to. Although I do not understand and feel like I am unable to give them up, I know God is good and am continually reminded of the many verses in Scripture that affirm God’s good plans and desires for those whom He loves.
Our Masterlife discipleship training began with Luke 9:23 in which Jesus tells a crowd, “”If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” (NASB). I believe that I have much to learn in the area of denying myself and I trust that God will help me grow in this area over the next year and as I continue to follow Christ. One thing that keeps me from bitterness and focusing on what I am giving up is remembering God’s many blessings that I have done nothing to deserve. His goodness and faithfulness throughout the history of the world and specifically in my own life, are reminders to me that I can always trust Him. Just as the Israelites often forgot the good things God had done for them and were quick to grumble, I am reminded that I need to be careful to appreciate and acknowledge the goodness of God in times when I am tempted to believe otherwise.