ROMANS 8:28-29

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 image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

TO PONDER:

It was a time in my life as a young person when I was extremely angry. There was a tragedy in my congregation where a young 16 year old "learner" driver was backing out the car and ran over her baby sister. It was a shocking time for the family and for the girl. As she sat, sobbing uncontrollably in my arms, I heard someone in the room next door quote this exact passage - "Remember, God works for the good of those who love him." It was meant to comfort. But it brought anger, resentment. How could a loving God e er bring any good out of this? How good a loving God love me when he lets me go through this extreme pain? How could a loving God...you fill the blank.

Over the years, I have come to understand this verse so much better. This whole passage is in the context of prayer...of how we and indeed all creation are groaning with the pain and struggle, the change and decay of this world. As we wrestle with that darkness, that pain or tragedy, the unfairness and injustice of what we see happening all around us, God who is good...all the time...is working with or through those who love him, who have been called for his purposes, to be the very ones that reveal the light of God, which shines in every darkness.

So whatever you are facing at the moment. Whatever darkness overwhelms, ask yourself, "How is God working in this situation and through this situation to make me more like him (conformed to the image of his Son)?" "How is God teaching me through this difficulty or struggle or change to trust in him, who knows all things, sees all things, is in control of all things. even if I don't understand it or get it?" As you ask yourself that, remember the promise: "...in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us...For nothing can separate us from the love of God that is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord."

PRAYER:

Lord God, whatever happens to me today, remind me that you have a purpose for me and my life. Help me trust that you are working in me and through me for your good purposes. Amen.