BAYTOWN, TX – We are coming to the end of the year and I have learned a lot about God’s grace. Some of what I have learned has been contrary to what I have learned in church over the years. And that’s just one of the things that make me wonder.

I wonder how gracious and loving God actually is. I suspect that He is far more than more loving and gracious than most Christians think He is. Sometimes we like to speculate as to who’s gone to hell and who’s gone to heaven. The truth is we don’t know any such thing. But I wonder how deep and wide and how tall God’s love and grace is.

Sometimes we wonder why blessings come to those whom we deem unworthy. There is only one answer – God is Good! Through Jesus Christ, He is justified in pouring out his goodness upon whoever He pleases. Now I can’t tell you why bad things seem to happen to good people but I do know this, God is in control of all that has to do with us and He ultimately has our good in mind, because God is love and He is good.

I was talking to a friend of mine, and his wife, last night. She says that she asked the Lord what she had done for Him to be so good to her. She told me that the answer she expected was because she serves Him, she lives her life right, tithing etc.. And His answer surprised her. He said, “Nothing.” God is good to us because of His great love and mercy. God is Good so, he does good.

In other words, God does good to anyone He wants to show His goodness because that’s who He is. It doesn’t matter what we may think about the person who is receiving His blessing, whether they are worthy or not.

I have come through many hard times in my life. And I supposed I wondered why such things were happening to me; divorce, back surgery, financial problems. In going through these things though I have been changed. Things that used to hold a high priority in my life no longer do. Things that were once important to me no longer are. Slowly and surely I am learning to put other peoples needs ahead of my own. These are just a few things that have changed.

I am learning to see what good comes out of any adversity I face. I am learning that I don’t need to complain to God about my life. He knows what my issues are and is in control and knows what He is doing. And since I know that He loves me I don’t have to worry about whether or not He is watching over me and guiding my life. He is busily working to change me into the image of His Son.

In 2011 I would have to say that the most important verse of scripture for me has been Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ, and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So the life I now live in the body, I live because of the faithfulness of the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.

I am starting to realize that the life I live is Christ’s life. I don’t have to pray that He be with me in my troubles or in the good times because He is always with me and I am with Him. I am never alone. This is something I don’t have to wonder about.

I look forward to the new year and my walk with the Lord.