Does God Really Have Good Things In Store For Me?

Do you ever wonder if God really does have good things in store for you?

Waking from my sleep the other morning, I claimed the truth, right out of the gate, that God had good things ahead for me that day. I knew God would be with me, He would guide me, and He would shower me with His grace and love. Because that’s what God does.

Even when I don’t deserve any of it.

After my prayer time and getting on with my day, the good things I had expected from God weren’t happening. Sure, I clung to the truth He was with me and guiding me and loving me, but all I could see was were not-so-good things that morning. I burnt my toast. The farm cats outside dumped over my herb planter box. I pulled a muscle during my morning workout.

I couldn’t help but wonder, where is the good? Because I’m not seeing any.

God, where are the good things?

Ever been there? Ever ask God that question or something similar?

Because I know God is good and all He does is good. So, what do we do when we pray and trust for the good things of God, but get bad stuff instead?

I’m reminded how Jesus said in the book of John that we will experience trouble in this world.

I’ve told you all this so that trusting me, you will be unshakable and assured, deeply at peace. In this godless world you will continue to experience difficulties. But take heart! I’ve conquered the world.

John 16:33 MSG

Trouble and difficulties and suffering, unfortunately, are a part of this world, and since we live in this world, we will experience trouble in our lives. Yet, who likes trouble and difficulties and suffering?? Uh, no one. And no one is immune to them. Not me, not you, not our neighbor who looks as if trouble skips over her life. Trouble is an evitable part of our lives.

Nice, cheerful post, huh? Stay with me here…

But, I don’t believe God causes bad things to happen.

Yet, I do believe He allows some of the “bad things” to touch our lives. After all, God’s in control of all things. I pray each day, “God, I know nothing won’t happen in my life today that isn’t sifted through your hands first.” Because I believe God allows what He wants–and what’s best–in my life. And when a not-so-good thing pops up in my day, I can trust God has allowed it for a reason. For my growth, for the good of others, or for His glory. And maybe, for all three.

It might not be what I want, but God knows what I need. It may not appear “good” to me at the time, but because God is good, if He’s allowed it, I can trust He will bring good from it. So, good can sometimes be disguised as not-so-good.

Remember what Paul said in the book of Romans?

We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.

Romans 8:29 VOICE

We can trust God has good things in store for us, even if it doesn’t appear that way.

You and I can also trust whatever God’s allows in our lives, He’s going to equip us in it and walk us through it. He doesn’t expect us or want us to try to figure it out on our own or to trudge through it by ourselves. No. Instead, He’s waiting and willing to equip us, strengthen us, help us, and encourage us. He gives us His wisdom, His peace, and His strength to persevere when we ask for it.

Sometimes I forget to ask.

Sometimes I try to do things in my own strength, in my own power, but goodness, that’s what we independent girls do, right? God is a good Father, just wanting us to seek Him in all things, in what appears to be good and also in what appears to be bad.

God has good plans for our lives.

I remind myself of this verse often.

I know what I’m doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Jeremiah 29:11 MSG

Friend, I pray it encourages you today, as well.

Yes, God does have good things in store for me and for you. So, even when the not-so-good stuff comes at us, we can remember this truth and live in His love. Who in our lives could benefit from this reminder today?

God bless you and much love to you!