An If You God

If you walk in my statutes and observe my commandments and do them, then I will give you your rains in their season, and the land shall yield its increase. – Leviticus 26:3-4

God loves His children and desires them to be well and healthy, as any good parent would want for their children (Matthew 6:30-32). So why do bad things happen to good people? This is a frequently asked question. Many books have been written about the topic.

In today’s verse, God promises a blessing to Israel if they are obedient and punishment if they disobey. However, you cannot assume that because you have problems you are being disobedient toward God. Know that God is good. He loves you and takes care of you as you put your trust in Him. This is a fallen world and bad things happen. How you respond to trials and troubles in your life is the important thing. Do you allow difficulties to make you bitter toward God and people? Do you become fearful or doubt God’s love for you? Or do you with confidence go to Him in faith, trusting Him to help you and use whatever the circumstances are for your benefit?

Today, thank God for His blessings. Thank Him that He is able to use all things, even trials and troubles, for your good when you love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). While the Lord has blessed the United States, many within its borders suffer. Pray for those going through hard times to seek and receive the help they need. “Put feet” to those prayers by using your gifts, talents, and resources to help others, especially those in the body of Christ (Galatians 6:10). You may be the person through whom God intends to answer a brother’s or sister’s prayer.