When Is Bad Good?

When is bad good?  To get “religious”, it’s when the purposes of God are advanced no matter the circumstance.  To further “muddy” the waters of distinction between “bad” and “good”, the Apostle Paul is so bold as to say, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Can it be much peace is lost because God’s children don’t understand the truth of His words, “’For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,’ says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8)?  We have our notions about the way a thing ought to be and in the process perhaps run afoul of a higher purpose operating in our lives than we dared imagine, leaving us frustrated and totally bereft of God’s peace.

Persecution can advance God’s cause in a hurry.  Right now in many a Muslim country Christian ranks are being swelled by the influx of persons “joining up” because of wars and persecution.  Joel Rosenberg in his book, Epicenter, in a chapter entitled “Muslims Turn to Christ in Record Numbers”, recounts instance after delightful instance of this phenomenon.  Moreover, most of these Muslims are having an encounter with the risen Lord (Jesus) who persuades them of His love for them.  Yet, difficulty after difficulty lies ahead for these new “believers”.  So what?!

Where did the notion come from that being a follower of Jesus was supposed to be easy?  When Jesus declared His followers would also be His “witnesses” (Acts 1:8), a little word study would help get us back on track.  The word “witness” comes from the Anglicized, Greek word, “martureo” from which we directly get the word “martyr”.  Further, Jesus said, “’A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you.  If they kept My word, they will keep yours also” (John 15:20).

Could we not conclude acceptance of the fact of God’s ways being both different and higher than ours opens the door to peace and understanding?  Have you been missing God’s peace?