In review of Romans 8:28 this morning, I read “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (NIV).
God works in "everything", not just isolated incidents, for my good. This doesn't mean that all that happens to me is good. Evil is prevalent in this fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for my long-range good. I must remember that God is not working to make me happy, but to fulfill his purpose. This promise offered is not for everyone. It's one that can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him, that is, those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. It’s one in which trust is placed in God, not in life's treasures; security will be found in heaven, not on earth. It’s a faith in God, that does not waver in pain and persecution because of the knowledge that God will be with us.
In life, I have messed up, sinned and made bad decisions. What I’m learning is that none of those failures have changed God’s call on my life one bit. The calling God gave me at birth, the one he reaffirmed when he saved me, is a calling he gives me forever. It’s permanent.
Just look at Paul. Before he became a believer, Paul went into people’s homes, dragged them out into the street, and threw them into jail. He writes in 1 Timothy 1:12-13, “I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service. Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor and a violent man, I was shown mercy because I acted in ignorance and unbelief” (NIV).
But none of that changed God’s call on Paul’s life. And nothing can change God’s call on your life, either.
In fact, God wants to use the pain from my past for his glory today and in the future. God never wastes a hurt. It all fits into his plan.
He can take my mistakes, sins, and even the sins of others who’ve hurt me and work them all into his plan of redemption. As today’s verse reminds me, “We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).
In summary, I can know that in all things God works for my good because I love him, and because he has called me according to this purpose. This doesn't mean all that happens to me is good, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for my long-range good. God is working in me to fulfill his purpose, not to make me happy. I have learned and continue to learn a new perspective and mind-set. It is one where I learn to place my trust in God, not in life's treasures or security. It's a faith that I shouldn't allow to waver because of my circumstances. It’s one that is based on the knowledge that God will be with me always. Even though I have made mistakes in the past, it does not change the will and calling God has for me. God wants to use the pain from my past for his glory today and in the future. God never wastes a hurt. It all fits into his plan for me.
Bottom Line:
In all things God works for my good, because I love him.
What this means to me:
Trust and have faith in God. No matter what happens, he will use it and not waste it. He has a purpose for me to fulfill.
God loves me and knows what is best for me to help fulfill his purpose. I need to continue to do the best job I can, and do the things that will make the organization I work for successful. I need to help build those who work for me. What is happening may not be what I want, but God will use this circumstance and experience in my life for me to help fulfill his plan for me. This morning Father I pray that you and your Spirit help remind me today and the days to follow that you have a purpose for me. I pray that you will help me with wisdom and guidance to fulfill your purpose. Help me to be a good leader for my team. Help me to interact and serve others well. I also pray for additional training / insight for what you have for me in the future. I also pray for healing for my health. Help my doctor diagnose and propose the treatment I need for healing. These things I pray in your Son Jesus name, amen.
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