Reflections: There is goodness on Earth

By Laurie Langdon

“I myself am convinced, my brothers and sisters, that you yourselves are full of goodness, filled with knowledge and competent to instruct one another.” (Rom. 15:14)

A conversation between friends over coffee leads to talking about the future, growing families and all that it involves. 

At one point one friend says to the other, “My wife and I have been blessed in so many ways, and, in response to what God has done in our lives, we love to bless others. Would you and your wife like to own a family-sized vehicle? If so, we want to bless you with one.”

Before you know it the two friends are at a car dealership selecting a vehicle that would serve their family for years to come. This is God’s goodness, manifested so often in and through people who have encountered Jesus Christ, people who have become citizens of his kingdom. Wherever I look, God’s goodness is happening.

• I look, and I see someone opening doors of opportunity and hope to a young stressed-out stay-at-home parent.

• I look, and I see someone taking the child of a single mother to her dentist’s appointment.

• I look, and I see someone hemming pants for a neighbor she barely knows.

• I look, and there’s someone serving a hot meal to students living far from home.

• I look, and there’s someone listening with respect to someone struggling with mental illness.

• I look and notice someone simply biting his tongue and holding back his emotions, even though he has been given a most remarkable opportunity to get even.

• I look, and I see others lending helping hands, offering listening ears and fostering intercessory hearts.

Good things are happening in people’s bodies.

People are becoming whole again. Five years ago, Cam was diagnosed with an advanced stage of cancer. A small group of people gathering on a Monday night prayed for Cam, and he was healed. Two months ago he came home again from his regular check-up – with a clean bill of health. 

Good things are happening in people’s relationships.

People are being released from painful struggles and are being re-joined in peaceful harmony. I know one couple in particular: she brought a dysfunctional past and he brought … well … issues.

But God’s goodness has been their bulwark. Not only are they still married after many years, but they are also, daily and together, uncovering the strong bond of unity that they have in Christ.

Good things are happening in people’s finances.

People are discovering that they have more than enough resources, so much so that they are giving freely, joyfully and generously to others in need. 

For example, in one instance I know of, the family had experienced a series of hits on their finances, but now the household budget is in place and working and, as he learns to rest in God’s order and leading, commissions from his business have become more than adequate.

Good things are happening in people’s souls.

People are coming to know Jesus Christ as their personal Saviour, they are being filled with his presence and power, and are becoming free to explore a dimension of existence beyond imagination.  

I am constantly talking with people who tell me what the Lord is doing.

He is bringing prodigal sons and daughters home to their loving Father, he is enabling people to find faith in Christ as they chat on their front lawn, and he is rebuilding the lives of others, like that of my friend who recently wrote on her Facebook page: “Thanking God for restoration in my life over the past 21 years.”

There is goodness on Earth!