Romans 8:28-30

Scripture Verse

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. ²⁹ 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. ³⁰ And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

ENCOURAGING WORDS

This text is pure encouragement. Many of us have gone or are going through difficult situations: loss, sickness, pain in relationships, etc. Yesterday we read that the Spirit helps us in our weakness and intercedes for us when we don’t know how or what to pray. Even so, we must go through the painful feelings and often struggle with questions like: Where are you, God? Why me? What’s the point of all this? Why aren’t you answering my prayers? How long? Sometimes we receive answers, sometimes not.

But…. We have God’s Word to encourage us. Vs 28 says that EVERYTHING will work out for our good: all the blessings and all the pain. Our God, who is Great, Generous, Gentle, Glorious, Gracious, reassures us through his word. He and his Word are trustworthy, even if we struggle with the Why in life. What good can come out of faith challenging situations? Only God knows in depth. Yet, Vs. 29 says we are predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son. Even Jesus wrestled with God before he was taken away to be crucified, so therefore understands our suffering. He works in and through our pain, questions, anger, resentment, etc to make us more like himself. How?

If I choose to trust God and his word in EVERYTHING, it will change me and deepen my faith and lead to the process in Vs 30: “called, justified, glorified”, a life-long process. Every challenge pulls us closer to Christ: Where we have GUILT, we receive forgiveness. Through GRACE we have life, here and beyond. GRATITUDE is our answer. Our God stands by us as the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in EVERYTHING!

Prayer:

You, Lord, are so great that I can never totally comprehend you. Please deepen my relationship to you and give me a grateful heart. Amen