God Is Good by R. F. Cottrell

California Conference of Seventh-day Adventists · Oakland, Cal. · Apr 8, 1875

God Is Good.

By R. F. Cottrell

To him who views it as it is, God is very kind and good. His goodness is in all his dealings towards us. He will be a kind and loving Father to all who will believe and put their trust in him. His goodness leads all to repentance, although all do not know it. It is natural for us to selfishly desire happiness; and we do not therefore always understand that all our afflictions are the blessings of a kind Father, only sent in love; and that all things work together for good to them that love God.

It is good to recognize a kind Providence in all things. Not a sparrow falls without our Heavenly Father. We certainly are the objects of his care. He greatly desires to save us. To yield our will to his in all things is needful for us. We shall have his approving smiles if we fully consecrate ourselves to him and to the interest of his cause, and believe and trust in him. Let us who are naturally so distrustful learn to trust in him. It is sinful to be unbelieving and distrustful. It is sinful not to confide in his promises.

And if we believe him we believe what he is doing for us. We believe in the light that shines from his word, and not from his word alone, but what he is doing in fulfillment of his promises. He is enlightening our minds in these last days, is giving us line upon line and precept upon precept. Faith walks in the light. No one thus highly favored of God will neglect to walk in the light, if his heart is right with God. And no one who walks in all the light regrets it in the end. But how many are in increasing peril of being lost by not being willing, or by neglecting, to walk in the light. God with much long-suffering, is proving his people. It will be seen at length that those who have heeded his counsels have taken the better course. We have obstacles in the way to overcome. It is right that we should have. All tells in our favor, if improved aright. We can by the help of God overcome. All must be brought into submission to the will of God. Self must be crucified, then can we labor for the Lord.

A great work is to be done in behalf of our fellow-men. A remnant are to be gathered out who will be saved in the day of the Lord. We may have a part in this honorable and glorious work. But if we do, we must be fitted for the work. We must be endued with power from on high. This will be given to those who are faithful to the grace already given. Let it be our highest aspiration to have a part in the work of the Lord.

God is good; and he is no respecter of persons. He will honor those who honor him, and they that despise him shall be lightly esteemed. Who will heed his counsel and share in the honor that comes from above? It is for us to decide.—R. F. Cottrell, in Review and Herald.