The entire idea of God being either good or bad is a matter of personal opinion. While some people manage to find blessings in the most impossible situations, others whine at the first sign of trouble and blame God for not foreseeing the danger and steering them in another direction. In this manner, God's goodness is completely and utterly a matter of perception.

How do you see God's activity or inactivity in your life? Can you see not only the closed doors, but also the opened windows? Can you see your current state as a mere detail in the big picture? If so, you would more than likely agree that God is indeed good. That he sees your beginning and your ending, and he's carefully laid a pathway to help get you to where you were meant to be in life. You need only listen.

Or perhaps you're the type who sees God as this great puppeteer, manipulating his creatures at will. Maybe you picture him laughing while you're crying, happy with your unhappiness, content with your current state. To some, God represents that absent parent. Maybe you feel as if God deserted you at a time when you needed him the most. It's difficult to see His goodness when a loved one's taken away after you've prayed constantly for his intervention. Besides, if everything in this life has a purpose and you're not let in on the big secret, misunderstandings can and will occur. You might even find yourself harboring resentment. Much like the child whose mother won't let him eat cookies until his heart's content. In his mind, she's punishing him. He'll probably stomp around the house. He may even say a few unkind words about her under his breath out of retaliation, but we all know his mother was only denying him that instant gratification out of love. We, as adults, can see the bigger picture. That vision is what I believe separates

Maybe God sees a bigger picture that we're incapable of seeing. It's almost like observing a beautiful quilt in its entirety versus only seeing a corner of its design. That corner is insignificant at best, but when you see the great design that little portion of thread helped create you begin to understand it's necessity - even appreciate it. What do you see when you look at your life? Do you find yourself scrutinizing the details of every situation you're faced with, or are you looking beyond the surface into the significance today has on tomorrow? Can you see His hands guiding and protecting your steps, or do you only see your personal struggles? Again, I say God's goodness or the lack thereof depends on your perception.

I have learned to see God's goodness in everything around me. As I'm writing this brief article, my mom is battling cervical cancer. Most would see that as undeniable evidence of God's non-exsistence, but I see the bigger picture. It wasn't easy, but I've learned that God has a purpose for everything he allows us to go through. Notice I said "allows". He's not asleep at the wheel. God is in full control of everything that happens to His children. Like children, we're often guilty of questioning his judgement - even questioning his intentions. We wonder why certain things happen to us, but it's all according to God's plan.

Learn more about this author, Angelia Davis.
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