I pray this from time to time, when discouragement sets in.

“Please, God, I need to see something good.”

God’s good for me looks differently than what I count good.

I want circumstances changed to my liking. He wants my heart changed to be like Christ.

I want as little pain as possible. He knows the pain will drive me to Him.

I want things sorted so I can continue on my way. He wants road blocks that will turn me to His way.

I want to pursue what I love. He wants me to love to pursue Him.

I think of Joseph, Job, Jonah.

* Joseph – who took every step never doubting God was with him.

* Job – Who when trouble came, started well, had his doubts in the midst of severe trouble, and finally

rejoiced in the God who was there.

* Jonah – who ran away, argued, and disagreed bitterly with God. Did he ever repent? Since only he

could have written the book, I suspect he did, giving his own life as an example of what not to do.

Which pattern will I follow? Joseph, Job or Jonah.

“Help me to see not just something good, but the only thing that is good, You.”

(Remember when Jesus said, No one is good except God alone. Mark 10:18b)

So I shift my prayer from,

“show me see something good”, to…

“Help me to see the God that is hunting me down even when my eyes aren’t fixed on Him.”

Do not fear for I have redeemed you;

I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you,

and the rivers will not overwhelm you.

When you walk through the fire, you will not be scorched,

and the flame will not burn you. (Isaiah 43:1b-2)