In this engaging discussion, John Ortberg, a renowned author and pastor focused on spiritual growth, explores profound themes of faith and life’s challenges. He reflects on the transformative teachings of Dallas Willard, addressing suffering and God’s goodness through the story of Job. Ortberg highlights how unexpected experiences can spark joy and encourages a mindset of gratitude. The conversation culminates with a heartfelt prayer for healing and hope, urging listeners to embrace life's complexities with faith.
Acknowledging that every good thing in life is a gift from God encourages gratitude and enhances spiritual growth.
Understanding that hardship does not originate from God allows for a deeper comprehension of divine goodness amidst life's complexities.
Deep dives
The Role of God's Goodness
The discussion emphasizes the necessity of perceiving God as unambiguously good, as this perspective shapes one’s ability to trust Him. The speaker recounts a story where a man grappling with doubt about God's character found profound guidance from Dallas Willard. Willard posed a pivotal question: Are you willing to regard all that is good as a divine gift, while recognizing that what is not good does not originate from God? This reframing fosters a deeper understanding of personal circumstances, compelling individuals to evaluate God’s presence and benevolence in their lives.
Insights from Job's Struggles
The narrative draws parallels to the biblical figure Job, who questioned the nature of good and evil in his life amid profound suffering. Job grappled with the idea of whether he should accept only the good from God and reject the notion that God permits suffering or evil. This enduring question prompts reflection on one’s own life experiences, especially during difficult times such as career disappointments or health issues. Understanding that not every hardship is a divine act encourages a more nuanced view of life’s complexities and the nature of divine goodness.
The Nature of Goodness and Life's Gifts
The podcast highlights the notion that life's blessings—both small and significant—should be viewed as gifts from God, which requires a conscious willingness to alter one’s perspective. The speaker shares personal anecdotes underscoring the unexpected joys that arise from seemingly adverse situations, such as a mouse encounter that led to laughter and connection. This approach posits that recognizing and celebrating the good can coexist with acknowledging pain and loss without requiring one to diminish those painful experiences. By actively choosing to affirm the goodness in life, individuals cultivate a spirit of gratitude, inviting a deeper recognition of divine gifts.
This devo originally aired in our series Second Thoughts on April 5, 2023. To view the entire series,check it out in our library.
Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻 Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn
Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.
CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/6BnBFfEYVoqYpZux/?mibextid=K35XfP 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/becomenew.me 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444
Become New is here to help you grow spiritually one day at a time.
📧 Subscribe for daily emails with these videos and accompanying thoughts: https://bit.ly/46AZ0rN 🙏🏻 Need prayer? Text us at 855-888-0444, we would love to pray for you! 🙌🏻 Interested in content for leaders? Subscribe to Become New for Leaders: https://bit.ly/3PH4FWn
Be sure to join our Facebook Group (link below) to continue the conversation and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel BecomeNew.Me and say hello 👋 in the comments. And make sure you tap the bell icon 🔔 to be notified when the next episode releases.
CONNECT WITH US AT: 😊 Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/6BnBFfEYVoqYpZux/?mibextid=K35XfP 🎙Podcast: https://becomenew.buzzsprout.com 🤳Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/becomenew.me 📲 For daily alerts, text the word BECOME to the number 855-888-0444
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode