All good things come from God. Whatever we enjoy, whatever gives us refreshment, whatever fascinates and interests us. Anything that might be perceived as “good”, if it is without God, is just an illusion.

These are times of uncertainty, the likes of which our nation, our world has not experienced since World War II. We are literally afflicted. Yet there are people we know who endure endless suffering. We convince ourselves that coronavirus will soon be wiped out, and our confidence in science and medical research gives us good reason for hope in that. But what about the chronically ill? Are they able to see God’s goodness? Thankfully, yes! That is the reason for the hope that the Holy Spirit brings!

Holy Communion gives us that foretaste, that whiff like Mom’s apple pie. There is joy, peace and strength that comes in each day. One day, for each of us, that joy, peace and strength will come as we are released from earthly toil in our last heartbeat, breath, and brainwave. Some who have gotten a glimpse, a “whiff’ of the life to come report that they reviewed their life script. What they feel and experience is the goodness of God. The sufferings were all worth it. God is always preparing us to experience joy. This comes even in our sufferings. There is goodness, even in uncertainty, grim diagnoses, or pandemic. God promises that in everything he works for our good.

The call to pastoral ministry has put me with many nearing death. I often hear, “why doesn’t God take me? I’m ready.” When I have my wits about me, I am able to say something to the effect of, “He’s preparing you for something.” That is usually confirmed by another visit, or a phone call.

We each have stories of God’s goodness. They are often silver linings in clouds, but we find them. The quest, the search, is all part of the crazy journey life puts us through. We sacrifice, we do our part. Just now – I kid you not – my phone made one of those noises that indicates a message or missed call. I see a message from a friend. It says, “I heard a rumor that everything will be okay.” It struck me that no frame of reference is necessary. It’s simply another glimpse, or “whiff” of God’s goodness. Sometimes the blog writes itself. Is there any goodness that can compare to the unconditional love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord? Read Psalm 119:71 and Revelation 21:5.

Pastor Art