Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to His purpose. For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.”
I have to brag a little bit about our granddaughter. She was sharing with me the other morning about how she had given a gift to a fellow worker. The response from the worker was pure joy and a hug.
Melinda said, “You know Papa, the money I spent on the gift was not what was important. It was her reaction and response of appreciation. I will not take the money I spent to the grave with me, but her friendship is what will last.”
Later that day, Melinda experienced some bad news. In the midst of dealing with her disappointment she met a new friend who was also a Christian. This young woman is married to a soldier at a nearby Army facility. She was so excited to meet Melinda and have someone to call and talk with about the Lord.
Once again, disappointment had disappeared in the realization that truly the Word of God is true, all things do work together for good for those who love God and have eyes to see Him at work in their lives.
Have you ever heard this, or perhaps said it yourself after returning from a trip: “God was really with us—we didn’t have a bit of car trouble!” Hold on a minute Nelly! Do we mean that God is not with us when we have all kinds of car trouble? Absolutely not!
The problem with this type of loose thinking is that we limit the blessings of God to the good things of life and not the trials. Paul encountered more trouble per square inch than most of us can ever imagine.
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-28, Paul enumerates some of his ordeals: Hard work, prison, severe beatings, being stoned, shipwrecked three times and adrift in the open sea for 24 hours (just to mention a few). How did Paul react to all of this?
2 Corinthians 11:30-31: “If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness. The God and Father of the Lord Jesus, who is to be praised forever, knows that I am not lying.”
If we truly believe that God causes ALL things to work together for our good, isn’t it time for us to stop belly aching and start looking for God’s good thing? It is my intention to do just that!
Blessings dear hearts. Draw near to God today, trust Him completely and be a blessing!
— Pastor Cecil