Psalm 119 declares that God is good and what He does is good. However, there will be times in our lives that may cause us to question God’s goodness.

Three years ago today, I sat in a hospital room waiting. I was five months pregnant and was being induced to give birth to our son, whose heart had stopped beating just three days prior. When I was ten weeks pregnant, I was told that our son had Trisomy 18, which is a fatal chromosomal defect. Over time, this defect caused several physical abnormalities in his development and ultimately took his life. I had been ecstatic when I found out God had blessed us with another baby, but now I sat in that hospital bed confused, scared, and in emotional and physical pain. This experience made me question God’s goodness. I had prayed and prayed for my son’s healing and struggled to understand why this was happening. But during the course of these painful months where I carried our sweet boy, Elijah, and the months of grieving and healing after his birth, I have no doubt that God is good. I experienced His strength when I had nothing left, I felt His arms holding me up when I was drowning in sorrow, He was with me every step of the way and provided comfort through verses that would come to me just at the right time. My relationship with God deepened during this time. I talked to Him constantly, sharing anything and everything that was on my heart. Our world is broken, so sickness and pain will happen, but God had healed my baby boy by taking him home. I know that the moment my son’s heart stopped beating, he was healed and whole, being held in the arms of Jesus.

Helen Grace Lescheid said, “Our circumstances are not an accurate reflection of God’s goodness. Whether life is good or bad, God’s goodness, rooted in His character, is the same.” God doesn’t just possess goodness as a trait, He IS goodness.

In His goodness, God has given us the hope of Heaven where we will be with him and all those who have gone before us. I know I am looking forward to the day when I see my baby boy again! I encourage you, my friend, to see God in the good times and the bad times. He is there, his love is true, and He is ALWAYS good.

Suggested prayer: Dear God, your goodness has no end and is bountiful towards us. Whether we are in times of great joy or moments of great sorrow, you are with us and will carry us through. Thank you for your great promises, your faithfulness, and the hope I have in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.  

1. Psalm 119:68.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Crystal B.