We all seek the "good life" in one way or another. Whether for our families or ourselves we want our lives to improve. We seek this by moving to a bigger house, taking another vacation or buying the latest self-help video. Opportunities and obstacles await all of us.

There are four basic types of experiences that shape our lives…

1. Impossible: Only God can do the impossible. We are encouraged when we see God heal or protect someone.

2. Difficult: Some trials require our complete attention. A common mistake in difficult times is viewing them as impossible.

3. Inconvenient: Things that get in the way of what we want to do are dealt with as inconveniences. Sometimes, they are actually attempts by God to rescue us from pursuing the wrong things.

4. Simple: The easy or natural things are not character builders but faith builders. We run into trouble when we expect everything we do for God to come naturally.

Romans 8:28, in the King James Version tells us that, "…all things work together for good to them that love God…" The same verse in the New International Version clarifies a bit more by saying, "…in all things God works for the good of those who love Him…" And we are told in John 14:23, (NIV), "If anyone loves Me he will obey My teaching {KJV "keep My words"}…"

Does "good" mean material things, job promotions or other earthly rewards? Is it referring only to spiritual gifts? I conclude from the scriptures listed above that "good" is the intent and "will" of God. We express our love for God through obedience and yielding to His will instead of our own. All things, whether impossible, difficult, inconvenient or simple are worked together by the hand of God to fulfill His will for us.