Choosing to See God in all Things...
Dear friends, I pray to find you blessed on this day. It’s so easy to spot what’s wrong. Turn on the news, scroll your phone, or replay a hard conversation in your mind, and the broken pieces rise quickly to the surface. Disappointment, loss, unanswered prayers, and everyday frustrations can begin to shape how we see the world—and even how we see God. But Scripture invites us into a different way of living. Not a denial of pain or a shallow positivity, but a deeper, steadier hope: learning to find the good that God is working, even when circumstances are difficult.
The Bible never pretends life is easy. Jesus Himself said, “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). Yet He followed that truth with a promise: “But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
Dear friends, faith does not ignore hardship— it chooses to trust God in the middle of it.
Paul reminds us of this perspective in-Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
Notice it says in all things, not that all things are good. Some seasons are painful, confusing, or unfair. But God is never absent. He is present, purposeful, and at work, even when we cannot yet see the outcome.
When we focus only on what’s going wrong, our hearts grow heavy and our vision narrows. But when we intentionally look for where God is moving—through people, provision, growth, or unexpected grace— we begin to notice hope rising again.
Philippians 4:8 encourages us to- fix our thoughts on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable.
Yes, what we dwell on shapes us. Trials don’t define us—God uses them to refine us. Even setbacks can become setups for deeper faith, compassion, and strength. Think of Joseph, who told his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20).
Did you catch that? What others meant for destruction, God redeemed for salvation, Hallelujah! Dear friends, that same redeeming God is still at work today—in your life, in our community, and in places that feel broken beyond repair.
So here’s the challenge for this week: Each day, pause and ask, “Where can I see God’s goodness right now?” Write it down. Speak it out loud. Share it with someone else. When a negative thought surfaces, intentionally replace it with gratitude. Not because life is perfect—but because God is faithful.
Let’s be a people who don’t just point out what’s wrong, but who boldly look for— and live out—the good God is still bringing to life.
With Love, Pastor Billy Montes
( Note: This column is written by a different Littlefield pastor for the Leader-News each week. The columns are published on this page on Wednesdays.)