By Michael E. Brooks

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose" (Romans 8:28).

I continue to be surprised at the number of edible parts of plants and animals that people of undeveloped nations have discovered. I was in Bangladesh this last time during the season of gathering sap from various species of palm trees. Some kinds of sap were used in preparing main dishes, some in desserts and candies, some in a type of syrup. I have observed at other times that roots, leaves and fruits are regularly consumed that I never dreamed were at all edible, much less so tasty. Some portions of plants are eaten even though other portions of the same plant are poisonous. Amazing!

But it shouldn't be such a surprise. God who made the world is a loving and wise God, who "did good and gave [us] rains from heaven and fruitful seasons, satisfying [our] hearts with food and gladness" (Acts 14:17). He "has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness" (2 Peter 1:3). Our God created this universe and us in it as a testimony to his wisdom, power and love. There is good everywhere, and in everything.

Now that does not mean that there is no evil, nor that everything is wholly good. Satan has invaded this world, and he has introduced evil. Just as some plants have poisonous parts, so there is the capacity to harm and destroy all around us. But evil is neither all powerful nor all present. Some would argue that the world is wholly an evil place. That the suffering and sin we see contaminates everything. But our own experiences refute any such claim. From the innocent smile on the face of an infant to the beautiful sunsets each evening, we see beauty and goodness all around us.

The key is to trust God and wait for him to show us his plan and purpose. Good can come from any situation, even from the direst of problems and the greatest of losses. God is that wise. He is that powerful. And he is that loving. But we must trust him. We must follow him. His greatest blessings are given to those who have answered his call, and who love him. To those good abounds.