Fortuitous Circumstances?

I'm sure there are many stories of fortuitous circumstances, when we were assured that God cared. But what about when it appears God has forgotten us?

When my husband was dying from cancer, the members of our church rallied around us. They brought us casseroles, baked goods, and barbecued chickens. They took turns going to the hospital to help feed my husband, since cancer had broken both his arms and paralyzed him from the waist down. They looked in on my teenage daughters when I had a late evening meeting at church. They were God's way of reassuring us.

The way I figure it, the author of evil is responsible for the bad stuff, but God uses it for good.

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (NIV)

Likewise there's Romans 8:38-39 – For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (NIV)

Through Jesus Christ, God not only brings good from bad situations in this life, but He slates us for heaven in the next. Contrary to what the worldly culture thinks, this life is our preface to eternity. Thus God does bring good from truly awful situations — especially through death.

This is why I differ with those who say that if God cared, He wouldn't let bad things happen to good people — because this life isn't the end. God cares so much that He will rescue those who love Him from this life when Satan's minions have done their worst.

Just like, I believe, God did for my husband.

Prayer: Lord God, Great Deliverer, we know Christ Jesus has made an end to the worst evil can do to us. Give us the confidence to know that You bring good from truly awful situations. We believe, through faith in Jesus, that we will live with You eternally. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.