Truly Good

What looks like good may lead astray,
While hardship shapes a better way.
We see one moment, dimly understood,
But God sees his work and calls it good.

We see the stone, the dust, the strain,
The unanswered prayer, the lingering pain.
Master builders know what walls require,
And gold grows pure within the fire.

We want the road that feels just right,
With gentle hills and skies full of light.
But God may choose a tougher climb
To build our faith one step at a time.

The narrow road may test our feet,
Yet every step has a goal so sweet.
For what we lose by yielding all
Is nothing next to Heaven’s call.

Salvation isn’t just one “amen,”
Then living as we did back then.
God calls us onward, day-by-day,
From glory to glory along the way.

Our prayers aren’t more asking still
For God to yield to whatever we will.
The greater prayer our hearts can give:
“Teach me your ways and how to live.”

For God can see the finished frame
When scattered fragments look the same.
What seems confused before our eyes
May fit his purpose, true and wise.

We should let his goodness brightly shine
Through committed hearts, yours and mine.
We can’t choose what others will see,
But we can reveal what grace can be.

So when you can’t quite understand
Why life isn’t going like you planned,
Hold fast to this when doubts intrude:
“What God calls good is truly good.”