The restaurant was completely filled, unusual for a Wednesday night. I surmised that the food must be good to attract such a large crowd. The menu offered several tantalizing choices and I needed help from our server who appeared after a few minutes.
“Are you ready to order?”
I nodded and asked her, “Almost. I need some help in deciding. So, what’s good?” I asked the question, expecting the usually polite and often disingenuous, “Everything is good!” Instead, she replied, “I would highly recommend the short ribs and the squid ink pasta.” Pausing briefly, as if unsure whether she should continue, she said, “But I would not recommend the meatloaf.”
“Really?” I was shocked. “You know, I really respect what you just said. Most servers would give me a blanket statement and tell me everything is good when I know that couldn’t possibly be true. You’re actually telling me the truth!”
She laughed. “Well, everything is good!” She winked and smiled. “But almost everyone who has this meatloaf dish tells me they don’t like it.”
I felt like ordering that dish just because of her honesty but decided upon another.
No. Not everything is good.
There are some Christians, including pastors and theologians, who expound that the Christian life means no more worries. All financial woes, health issues, and relationship problems will be solved. Everything is good. This needs qualification.
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.
John 16:33 (ESV)
When I confessed and repented of my sins and accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, my life dramatically changed. I did expect things to go smoother and many things did, but God never promised me that all problems would disappear. Jesus bluntly told His disciples that by following Him, they would have troubles and tribulation. They may not have understood what that meant at that time, but they soon learned it meant separation from family, beatings, torture, and even death.
Was everything good?
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:38 (ESV)
Titles, education, wealth-the disciples knew that all of these were worthless compared to the unsurpassed knowledge of knowing Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They gladly accepted salvation and eternal life in exchange for any temporary hardships they may face in this life.
This relationship with God is available to you if you confess and repent of your sins and call upon His Name. He promises to never leave you nor forsake you. Once you do, everything is good because God will conform and transform your life into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. He will allow you to see that everything, even pain, and heartache, happens as part of His beautiful and perfect plan for your life.
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
The Bereans Blog 
Appreciate this post. Will try it out.
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