Ordered Steps!
God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.
Sometimes it may seem that something said is just a cliché because of how often used and the power of those words diminishes because the meaning is not fully understood, or something has taken its place.
For example, I have heard no one using the phrase what would Jesus do lately, but when it first became a part of everyday vernacular, it had power. I understood it to mean that I was about to think before I acted. I considered comparing my course of action with what the Bible said.
To consider what Jesus would do just made good sense.
Seeing they often used WWJD on promotional items such as wristbands, pins, cups, and plaques, to name a few things I had seen. Then the advertising and announcing of WWJD declined, yet those words live on in me as part of my thinking process and serve as a reminder to reconsider what I was thinking to do whenever Jesus would do.
Now consider what God is good all, and all the time God is good means to you.
Does it mean that whatever God does and whenever God does it, it is good? Therefore, accept the will of God all the time because it is good?
Or maybe, like with me, what came to mind was the verse:
Romans 8:28
The Passion Translation
So we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together for good, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.
Romans 8:28
King James Version
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
So, whether words become a truism, the Word of God, our Bible stands the test of time all by itself. Simply amazing as well as remarkable.
I am in awe when I consider how Joseph probably heard his brothers talking about killing him. Then he is thrown into a pit and left alone. He was perhaps thinking about his dreams. Or maybe how God was good all the time, and all the time God is good? Was that brought to his mind time and time again as he went through years of difficulties?
God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.
Then, being placed in a position of great power in Egypt and being reunited with his siblings, Joseph expressed to his brothers what he believed all along: the grace, mercy, and hand of God was with him all the time.
Genesis 50:20
King James Version
But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
Genesis 50:19-21
The Message
Joseph replied, "Don't be afraid. Do I act for God? Don't you see, you planned evil against me but God used those same plans for my good, as you see all around you right now—life for many people. Easy now, you have nothing to fear; I'll take care of you and your children." He reassured them, speaking with them heart-to-heart.
My God is good all the time, and all the time, my God is good.
God moves in ways that we may never understand. He causes things to take place for His purpose in our lives that in days, months, or years to come will make sense to us why we had to endure what we did.
Most of our revelation is through hindsight.
How was it that God caused a young girl to be used to reveal so much of His purpose?
Who would have understood what God was doing at the time of this taking place?
2 Kings 5:1-3
King James Version
Now Naaman, captain of the host of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master, and honourable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto Syria: he was also a mighty man in valour, but he was a leper. And the Syrians had gone out by companies, and had brought away captive out of the land of Israel a little maid; and she waited on Naaman's wife. And she said unto her mistress, Would God my Lord were with the prophet that is in Samaria! for he would recover him of his leprosy.
From the scriptures, we believe Naaman becomes upset because instead of meeting with Elisha, a messenger gave instructions for him to wash in the Jordan seven times.
I think Naaman had planned to give Elisha gifts he had brought with him. I suppose, to impress, hoping to gain Elisha's favor. But now, being told to dip in the Jordan Naaman's plan quickly fell apart.
Has that ever happened to you? You do not know how to bring something to pass, and the Holy Spirit tells you to do something so simple that you don't think it will work, but like Peter, you do as told and become surprised by the outcome.
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Luke 5:5
The Passion Translation
"Master," Peter replied, "we've just come back from fishing all night and didn't catch a thing. But if you insist, we'll go out again and let down our nets because of your word."
Luke 5:5
King James Version
And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net.
Naaman received advice from his servant, did as told, became healed, and then went back to thank and bless the man of God.
All of this is because a captive enslaved person—shared information with Naaman's wife.
But when Naaman tried to bless Elisha with the silver, gold, and raiment he had brought with him, Elisha refused and would not accept payment for what God had done.
1 Timothy 6:6
King James Version
But godliness with contentment is great gain.
1 Timothy 6:6
The Passion Translation
We have a "profit" that is greater than theirs—our holy awe of God! To have merely our necessities is to have enough.
Wait, there's more.
Elisha's servant Gehazi had a root of evil in his heart, for Gehazi went running after Naaman to tell a lie and get some of what Elisha had refused to receive.
2 Kings 5:22
The Message
"Nothing's wrong, but something's come up. My master sent me to tell you: 'Two young men just showed up from the hill country of Ephraim, brothers from the guild of the prophets. Supply their needs with a gift of 75 pounds of silver and a couple of sets of clothes.'"
2 Kings 5:22
King James Version
And he said, All is well. My master hath sent me, saying, Behold, even now there be come to me from mount Ephraim two young men of the sons of the prophets: give them, I pray thee, a talent of silver, and two changes of garments.
Then Gehazi returned to Eisha, lied some more, and because of the root of evil in Gehazi's heart, God struck him and his seed with leprosy. So much for Gehazi, maybe.
1 Timothy 6:10
King James Version
For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows.
1 Timothy 6:10
The Passion Translation
Loving money is the root of all evils. Some people run after it so much that they have given up their faith. Craving more money pushes them away from the faith into error, compounding misery in their lives!
I am in awe of how so much of God's purpose came to pass. All started from capturing a handmaid who became His spokesperson to Naaman's wife.
The things we say, the people we meet, the act we do, and something that may seem insignificant all serve a Godly purpose, and God is good all the time.
I pray that what I have shared will encourage you to love the Lord continuously, knowing that nothing we do is in vain.
May God bless all that you put your hands to do in the new week, new month, in all ways and forever.
To God be the glory for all.
You are always loved and appreciated.