God Is Good To Me
One of the greatest privileges of ministry is getting involved in the lives of others. But anyone who has walked alongside people knows that ministry can sometimes take you into tender, messy places.
Years ago, my father taught me a lesson that has stayed with me:
“Never, ever be in the business of trying to read the intentions of another person’s heart.”
My father was a businessman. Like anyone who steps into the business world, he experienced both victories and disappointments. Some decisions worked beautifully, and others did not. Some investments flourished, and some simply did not turn out as expected.
But does a failed business deal make someone dishonest?
Does a difficult marriage make someone a failure?
Does a child choosing a different path make someone a bad parent?
Does making a mistake with finances make someone an untrustworthy person?
Life is filled with imperfect people making their way through imperfect circumstances.
I believe we have to be very careful when we begin labeling someone’s character or assuming we know what is happening inside another person’s heart. That is a place only God can truly see.
My father showed me what this looked like.
There was a man in my father’s life many years ago who took advantage of him financially, even taking over a million dollars from his business. When my father discovered what had happened, he could have easily spent years telling everyone about this man’s wrongdoings.
But he didn’t.
He didn’t drag his name through the community. He didn’t seek revenge. He simply chose to walk away.
Years later, an attorney encouraged my father to pursue the matter — not because he wanted revenge, but because this man was continuing to hurt others, including people who could not afford to lose what they had worked for their entire lives.
My father eventually went to court and won the case. While he did not recover what was lost, something important happened: this man was no longer able to continue hurting others in the same way.
What I admire most about my father was not the courtroom victory.
It was the quiet years before it.
The restraint.
The forgiveness.
The refusal to let bitterness take root.
I honestly cannot remember my father spending his life speaking poorly about others. Instead, he would often smile and say:
“God loves them too.”
That was my dad.
A man who believed grace was not just something we received from God — it was something we were called to give.
The phrase everyone who knew him remembers is this:
“God is good to me.”
What a beautiful testimony from a father.
Not a perfect man, but a man who continually pointed people toward a perfect God.
I saw a quote recently that said:
“One day you’ll be just a memory for some people. Do your best to be a good one.”
My father left behind more than memories.
He left behind an example.
An example of loving when it was hard.
Forgiving when it wasn’t deserved.
And trusting God with the things he could not fix.
Thankful for…
A dad who stood firm and loved the way Christ taught us to love.
A husband who keeps my feet grounded.
Three children I adore.
A snoring pug at my feet.
A mom just down the street.
The courage to release unhealthy ties.
Friends like Penni who walk beside me.
A sister-in-law, Cyndy, who rocks.
A God who hears my prayers and catches every tear.
The Holy Spirit who guides, comforts, and protects.
A safe place to heal broken places.
Friends who step in when others step away.
People who faithfully walk in God’s Word.
A daughter who will be home soon.
A heart learning the freedom of forgiveness.
Flowers brought home by my husband.
A spirit of joy returning.
The beauty of fall and the promise of new seasons.
Two retreats to look forward to.
Bible studies waiting to begin.
A God who invites me to talk with Him anytime.
The precious memories of an earthly father I am so proud of.
And a heart that is learning to forgive, because forgiveness is freedom.
A humble request… will you pray over me?
That I continue to walk in grace.
That I continue to love well.
That I continue to find Jesus in the everyday moments — even the messy ones.
Because He is there.
Always.
Comments