“and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Rom. 5:5; NASB
The phrase “it’s all good” has always seemed to me to be an insincere response that is given when someone prefers not to get into why it’s not all good. It is an easy way to avoid uncomfortable conversations. It is also less time consuming than getting into what might not be good. I think it brings up a subject into which we should look more closely. By thinking it through, we may find something that can help us endure some difficult times, and thus change the way we use that phrase.
The Scripture verse above is the conclusion of a thought process that Paul gives us that can help us through trying times. In the preceding two verses, we are told, “… we also exult in our tribulation knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; …” (Rom. 5:3-4).
Exulting in tribulation is not something that comes naturally. When things are not going well, we rarely react by jumping for joy. Exulting (or rejoicing) is a mindset. This attitude can change the outcome of many situations, especially if you establish that mindset before the onset of hardship. It is more a condition of the heart than of the emotions. It requires a decision that is void of the emotions that lead us to despair. Being able to rejoice (exult) in our tribulation comes because of a belief in something or someone greater than the situation. That someone is Jesus Christ.
Tribulation brings perseverance. Making it through hard times builds perseverance. What is it that gets us through those hard times? It is knowing that there is Someone bigger than all of us who is watching over us, guiding our steps in love. We sometimes question why our Lord does not step in and fix things for us. God allows trials in our lives to strengthen us and bring us closer to Him. It is those trials that increase our maturity, faith, and perseverance. His stepping in would make us weaker, not stronger.
Perseverance brings about proven character, which is developed through time. Suppose you lost your job tomorrow under circumstances that were out of your control. If you were to go to God with a grateful heart, thanking Him for the job and believing that He is in control, you could not help but be optimistic about the future. This attitude of gratefulness and prayer would take you through the time necessary to find another job, regardless of how long it took. As time went on, you would have to lean on Him more and more. Persevering through this time with a good attitude results in proven character.
Our hope is Jesus Christ. That hope does not disappoint because we have experienced the love of God through our trials. Not only that, but we eventually realize that our true reward is eternal life. The life we have here on earth is temporary and comes with trials and hardships, as well as triumphs and successes. Our eternal reward is life forever in the presence of our Father and His Son Jesus Christ. A place where “He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain…” (Rev. 21:4). So, with all this in mind, we can truly say, “It’s All Good.”
Have a great week and God bless