Does God Always Do What Is Best for Everyone?

To say that Jonah was a complex person is to understate the mixture of responses he demonstrated in being selected to take God’s message to the evil city of Nineveh. He failed to show compassion when the people repented and God graciously forgave them.

Imagine Jonah in a state of rage yelling at God for saving Nineveh. Listen to his tirade: “I knew you were a loving and merciful God, always patient, always kind and always ready to change your mind and not punish.” His rage soon turned to depression, followed by a wish to die.

An important lesson for us to learn is, God does not act according to our assessment of a situation, but does what is best for everyone. You, like Jonah, may disagree. 

As you face an uncertain time, God will give you clarity on how to manage your situation as you cooperate with him to bring about his perfect will.                      

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The Lord says: “My thoughts and my ways are not like yours. Just as the heavens are higher than the earth, my thoughts and my ways are higher than yours.” 

~Isaiah 55:8-9 Contemporary English Version 

Great is the Lord and most worthy of praise; his greatness no one can fathom. 

~Psalm 145:3 New International Version 

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Forgiveness, Love, Healing – Amazing!

 When you hear the word forgiveness, what comes to mind? It could be an image of uncontrolled anger being levied against you by someone who hates you. I've often thought how unlike Jesus we are – Jesus, who could look down from the cross and ask His heavenly Father to forgive those determined to kill him. 

A Catholic priest was arrested by the German SS during World War II for hiding allied soldiers. He looked his executioners in the eyes and told them he forgave them for the torture and death they were about to inflict upon him. Perhaps forgiveness is difficult because we think we must love those who have hurt us and consequently forgive them immediately.

Because true healing progresses slowly, the desire to forgive may also progress slowly. As forgiveness becomes a reality, you should be able to lay aside grudges and demands for punishment. Now spiritual healing has freedom to move forward. So “trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know.” Permit God to heal you.  

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God doesn’t want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold, and loving, and sensible.

~2 Timothy 1:7 The Message

Now change your mind and attitude to God and turn to him so he can cleanse away your sins and send you wonderful times of refreshment from the presence of the Lord.

~Acts 3:19 The Living Bible