As Christians, we may have heard this phrase, “God is good, all the time, and all the time, God is good”, as a call and response in Pentecostal churches, as well as it’s made its way to many nondenominational churches. We also have heard it recited in sermons, prayers, and songs as a comfort and encouragement to the faith-filled believers. It is an unwavering expression of God’s protection and care for His children; it reaffirms God’s presence and love for us, even when life may seem difficult or challenging.
So, how does this square with believers who are facing sickness and disease, those who has buried loved ones too soon? These are circumstances that are extremely painful that plague the human experience. However, we must be careful how we explain such circumstances. It is more common than not to attribute such things to God. We hear phrases like, “God needed an angel in heaven more than you needed her on earth.” Or “God’s table needed beautiful flowers.” Many religious Christian people will fight for their sickness, wearing it like a badge, expressing sentiments as, “This sickness was sent by God to teach patience, endurance, perseverance, or whatever you want to fill in.” Unfortunately, these lies have made their way into the church.
We need paradigm shift. God is good, and He is good all the time and yes, while there may be sickness on this side of heaven –it has not been orchestrated by God. The word “good” can be defined as kindness. Causing sickness is not an act of kindness! Death and sickness are not kind acts. These tragedies and sickness are because we live in a fallen world.
Sickness and disease are from the enemy who is coming for our soul. We are in a battle with the devil. If what is happening to you is good, it is from God, if it is bad, it is from the enemy. We have made this way too difficult in our attempt to “spiritualize” or explain our lack of seeing the power of God in our lives.
Take God at His Word. Psalms 103:2-3, “Bless the Lord O my soul and FORGET NOT HIS BENEFITS, who forgives all your sins and heals all your disease.”
This is not meant to make anyone who is experiencing sickness feel bad or guilty, but it is meant to awaken your awareness so that you realize that the enemy is stealing from you, not God, and you are missing out on God’s goodness!
Yes, God is good, all the time and all the time, God is good!
Rhonda L. Smart, rhondalsmart@gmail.com
