All things work together for the good.
Scripture
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28
Observation
This scripture is a scripture of hope. I noticed how the word “know” was used. It gives a sense of surety. Meaning whatever information is about to follow is something we should be well acquainted with. The root meaning of the word “know” means to perceive , to discern , to pay attention to. The scripture goes on to say what we need to know . Which is “all things work together for good” . There’s a lot to unpack here even before we proceed, I noticed how it didn’t say “some things” but “all things”. This means the good, the bad, the chaotic , the confusion etc someway somehow work together for good . This to me shows how God is supreme and a master strategist. Because how can something that doesn’t even mean make sense to you be used to work for your good? How can something that seemingly appears evil, shameful etc come to work for you ? All power belongs to God indeed. However, I also noticed this doesn’t apply to everyone. This concept only works for those who love God and those who are called according to His purpose. To be called means to be invited (by God in the proclamation of the Gospel) and to obtain eternal salvation in the kingdom through Christ. Once you’ve accepted the Lord as your personal Saviour and believe in your heart that Jesus died for your sins, you are called. You are called by the Lord to work for His kingdom . Now if you’re a believer and the lifestyle you’re living isn’t according to the purpose of God unfortunately this doesn’t apply to you. Why? because you’re living to please yourself and not God and His agenda . You’ve made yourself or other things your own god. Ps , God HATES idolatry.
Application
No matter what seems to be happening in my life I can truly find rest if I know I love the Lord and if I am called for His purpose. Now what does loving the Lord look like ? Jesus told His disciples in John 14:15 that “if you love Me you will obey My commandments”. It looks like living a life where you obey the commandments and teachings of God. It looks like living a life where you recognise you’re living for Him so it’s not about what you want but what He wants. This concept is a hard one for many people to grasp. But I always say if God is a GOOD God and a God that lives outside of time you can never out beat His will for you . He knows what’s best and what will suit you . He even knows what you want and need before you seemingly do. Our human mind is so limited because honestly what do we really know ? Next to nothing. Can you even say word for word what your day will look like tomorrow? Why not submit your ways, your thoughts, your desires, your words and all of you to Him? As children of God we are called to serve the Lord’s purpose but how can we represent a God we do not love, obey or even look like? The Lord has a plan for each and everyone of us and it’s important our lives align with the purpose He’s calling us to. It’s important we represent Him well.
Prayer
Spirit of the living God thank You for Your word today. Thank You for hope and knowledge. I plead Lord where I’ve sinned against You, please cleanse me with Your blood. Help me to love You. Help me to say goodbye to the fleeting things of the world and to love You with all my heart, my soul and my strength. Help me to live a life that surrenders to the plans You have for me. Help me to trust in You. In Jesus Name I pray Amen.