For My Good
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28, KJV
In Romans 8, Apostle Paul was writing to the church in Rome and was describing the difference between a person living a life in selfishness (after the flesh) and a life lived in accordance with God. For a long time, it would really bother me to hear someone quote the scripture above. I’ve always thought that with all the evil going on in the world, how could God say that He was working everything out for the good of those who love the Lord and are called to His purpose?
Over the years, God has taught me that it is truly Him who is keeping us. Through the study of His word He has shown me that evil is not His will but man’s choice. His grace covers and watches over those who believe in Him. Just like a shepherd leads his sheep, God is our shepherd, and He leads us. A shepherd may come into bad situations but he is always watching to make things well for his sheep. God has already done that same thing for us. He knows what is up ahead. While He does not change man’s choices, He still protects his sheep!
In my finite mind, I always thought that God should just get rid of the bad stuff so we wouldn’t have to go through all these painful things. Then I was reminded of Jesus and his journey to the cross. He asked God to take away the bitter cup, but He exclaimed “...not my will, but yours, be done” (Luke 22:42, ESV). Jesus had the power to come down off the cross but He did not. He knew that God had a purpose for His pain that would ultimately work out for the good of all people.
The example Jesus left us should encourage our hearts and give us some clarity. Like a shepherd leading sheep - even though the shepherd sees trouble ahead, he still needs to carry his sheep through to the other side. For the other side has wonders that the sheep know nothing about. If the shepherd does not keep moving, the sheep could literally die where there are, missing the blessings waiting for them up ahead.
Jesus had the power to get off that cross, but He chose not to because He knew the father’s desire. We may have the power to move away from a difficult or hard situation but that does not necessarily mean it is the right thing to do. In every situation we need to do what Jesus did: pray and ask God for His will, not our own, and move according to the answer He gives us.
Be encouraged. God has not forgotten the promises He has made to you. Although things may not look good or be good, our Father has worked them out for our good.
Affirmations: Matthew 10:20; Luke 24:32; Ephesians 6:19, Isaiah 55:11
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