Is God good?

God is good.

You would think this would be a basic truth. But how often do we doubt it?

When we go through trials in life, when we face injustice, we often cry out, “Why God? Why don’t you do anything? Why don’t you help me?”

When God seems silent, will we pray and never give up because we believe God is good?  (Luke 18:1-8)

The rich ruler struggled to believe in God’s goodness. He called Jesus, “Good teacher.”

But when Jesus challenged him to give up all his riches to follow him, he suddenly had grave doubts on how good Jesus truly was. And he walked away. (18-23)

Even the disciples sometimes wondered, “How good are you Jesus? We’ve given up everything for you. Will it be worth it?” (28-30)

But the tax collector in Jesus’ story believed in God’s goodness. And so though the Pharisee looked down on him, he went before God and cried out for mercy. And he received it. (9-14)

The blind man believed in Jesus’ goodness. When everyone else said there was no way Jesus would care for someone like him, he continued to shout, “Jesus had mercy on me.” And Jesus healed him. (35-42)

The children believed in Jesus’ goodness. As did their parents. They knew Jesus wouldn’t turn them away. And he welcomed them with open arms. (15-16)

How about you? Do you believe in God’s goodness? Do you believe he will never turn you away? Do you believe he will have mercy on you? Do you believe he wants your best?

Jesus asks all of us,

When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? (8)

Will he find faith in you?