Testimony Tuesday: Trusting in God’s goodness in the midst of hardship

By Rachel Schuck

“[God] is sovereign, he’s all powerful, and he’s also good. And so the things that he allows or gives or takes away, it’s all good.” 

Lindy Carr, a Cedarville graduate and the resident director of Willetts, witnessed Christ’s love through her family, especially her parents, as she grew up.

Her parents, who were missionaries to Japan for over twenty-five years, modeled Christ’s love, teaching Carr the importance of reading Scripture and living solely for Christ.

“I think that it’s obviously so impactful to grow up with the blessing of parents who know the Lord and love the Lord and are directing you to the Lord,” Carr said.

While she cannot remember the exact day or age that she received Christ as her Savior, Carr remembers her mom’s godly guidance.

“My mom walked with me through what it meant to trust in the Lord Jesus, what it meant for him to come, die, be buried and rise again to take the penalty for my sins,” Carr said.

Growing up in Japan, a culture which prized respect and appearance, Carr often struggled with feelings of guilt and shame. She became entrenched in her wrongdoing, which affected her acceptance of the gospel’s message of God’s grace. 

Burdened by feelings of insufficiency, Carr yearned for validation about herself. As a result, she began to strive after her own identity and ego. Through encounters with talented friends and her limited abilities, God taught Carr about his saving grace and goodness.

“I don’t have to be good enough or perform the right way or look right to God,” Carr said. “He knows even more than I do the depths of my sin and he loves me anyway.”

God continued to teach Carr about humility as she grew in her faith. She learned that striving for God’s glory over her own provided true joy. 

“It is freeing to remove your own ego from life and recognizing that God is actually the one who deserves all the glory,” said Carr.

During her teenage years, Carr also began spending more time in God’s Word. Struggling to read the Bible consistently, she learned that the Bible is a gift from God, one which helps believers grow and change to become more like Christ.

“Being able to just open the Word itself and let the Spirit work in my heart and mind I think was a big change [in my spiritual life] that happened gradually,” Carr said.

After graduating from high school, Carr enrolled at Cedarville University for graphic design. As a freshman, Carr dove deeply into her faith, asking questions like, “Why do I believe in God?” While articulating her beliefs, Carr learned that she needed to follow Christ with her whole life.

“I can’t just give him parts [of my life] or Sunday mornings,” Carr said. “It has to be my whole life and all my ambitions, all my heart, mind, soul, strength.”

During Carr’s senior year at Cedarville, God revealed his goodness to her through unexpected health problems. Confronted by an iron deficiency, mono, and thyroid issues, she searched for answers. Unable to find the help she was looking for, she carried on as normal, working multiple jobs, living with friends, participating in campus activities and juggling classes. 

Carr’s determination to continue life as normal was ultimately thwarted by her persisting health issues. She thought she deserved answers. She pleaded with God.

“Lord, you don’t even have to heal me, but at least tell me what’s wrong,” Carr said.

Through an encounter with a chronically sick friend, Carr understood that God was showing her how to trust in his goodness.

“If I were to have a health diagnosis […] and find solutions and peace and comfort through this other means without the Lord, then that’s a very dangerous place to think I don’t need him,” Carr said. “The reality is, in good health or not, I need him.”

Soon after, God healed Carr and provided her with a job as a locksmith on Cedarville’s campus. After several years, she became the resident director of Willetts, where she disciples young women to live for God and recognize his goodness, following the lessons God has taught her throughout her life.

“No matter what my position is or my role is or my relationship is to people, I’m just one tool from God, and I’m thankful for the opportunity I have [as RD],” Carr said.

Carr clings to Habakkuk 3:17-19, which reminds her to look to God despite difficult circumstances. Even in the midst of trials and hardship, she rejoices in him who provides her with joy and strength. Resting in his goodness, Carr strives to reflect God’s faithfulness, especially through her role as resident director.

“The happy conclusion is not concluded,” said Carr. “It’s still me learning to trust him despite circumstances, in the midst of circumstances, and experiencing peace and joy because of his presence.”

Cherishing the lessons that God once taught her, Carr encourages her residents to prioritize their relationship with God and treasure his Word.

“Even amidst the busy season of college or whatever busy season you find yourself, prioritizing your relationship with the Lord is the way to life.”

Rachel Schuck is a freshman Professional Writing and Information Design student. She loves to play the piano, get coffee with friends, and take walks in the sunshine.