Saturday, June 12, 2010

For The Good

"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


Have you noticed in this verse that Paul does not speak of "some" things or "a few things" workng out for good? Paul tells us that in ALL things God works for good. These are powerful and comforting words. These are also, at times, confusing words.

Where does the good come in a broken relationship, the death of a loved one, or the endless suffering of children who go hungry every day? If our loving Father works all things for good...why do these things even occur?

They happen because we live in a fallen world, and also because all humanity has been given the freedom of choice in our behaviors. The Bible often speaks of suffering and trials as a part of our lives, but God does not abandon us to them. The hope that comes from Romans 8:28 is the knowledge that we are not alone in these trials, and no matter how difficult the challenge is, God WILL USE IT FOR GOOD. We may not see it clearly today or even tomorrow, but we can believe without always "seeing" by trusting God in all our circumstances.

Paul understood trials and suffering. The list of what he endured is long, yet he believed with all his heart that they were being worked out for the good..... We, too, can rely on those same beliefs.

The devotional book, Streams In The Desert, by L.B. Cowden, shares a quote by George Mueller relating to this verse. It says it all:


"In a thousand trials, it is not just 500 of them

that work for the good of the believer,

but nine hundred ninety-nine.....plus one."

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

When we are in the midst of trials, it doesn't feel or seeem very good. But later, we can see how God used it for His glory. Much spiritual growth and blessings come out of the pain, hurt and suffering. Thanks for another great post, Ginger. Have a good week!

Anonymous said...

RENEE! I am sorry! I called you, Ginger! I guess I need more coffee this morning. LOL.

Musings of A Minister said...

Great words! Romans 8:28 is my favorite Scripture---or maybe I should say, one of my favorites.

Joan Hall said...

It's hard to understand this during trials, but God's word is true. Everything He allows in our lives He works together for our good.

Blessings,
Joan

Sandy said...

Renee, Thank you so much for this reminder of one of my favorite verses. This verse is repeated so much that sometimes we do forget exactly what it says. Thank you!

Charlotte said...

Good observation. All things means all things. Thank you for this reminder. I love this scripture. Thank you for sharing this insight.
Blessings,
Charlotte

INSIDE THE SHRINK said...

Oh my, I read Streams in the Desert for years. I have 4 or 5 volumes. Thanks for quoting from it, it is full of wisdom.

That scripture is one of my favorites. I use it in my therapy sessions. People always ask why God has allowed this terrible thing to happen to them. I tell them just what you said. We live in a cursed world. God didn't tell us he would keep us from troubles, in fact, he said we would have tribulations in this world. He did promise that he would be with us during troubled times. They are faith building times. If you want to know the real Christian character of a person, watch them during a trial. Great post, God bless, Dr. Bobbi

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

I love when I see a rainbow after a storm, and that's how I look at life because of God.
God Bless,
Ginger

Nikki (Sarah) said...

there have been so many times I have whined...why? why are you letting this happen.....I have discovered He redeems everything...and does work it all out for good. Great post.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Yes we must remain positive. And, all things do work together for good. At the time they might not feel like they do, but in time, the wisdom is seen. Bless you today..

Anonymous said...

I love this post. As I get older, I can see so many instances of God working behind the scenes to make things work out for the best. It's important to be reminded and I thank you for this post.

Renee said...

Hello W. Woman Thanks for coming by...no big deal on the name error..Ginger is a nice name too:)

Renee said...

Thank you Clif...always appreciate your comments..

Renee said...

Thanks for coming by Joan, Sandy and Charlotte...appreciate your comments so much and always enjoy your posts.

Renee said...

You are welcome Dr. Bobbi...thanks for your great comments today!

Renee said...

I love your rainbow after a storm comment...what a great way to view life! thanks Ginger.

Renee said...

Thank you Sarah, Crystal Mary, and Mildred, for coming by and for your encouragement and insights...God bless...

Cathy said...

Thanks for that encouraging post, Dear. His ways are higher than our ways and His thoughts than our thoughts. There are many scripture verses about suffering as Jesus did. Blessings ~

Lisa said...

Beautiful and encouraging!

GodsOwn/Bernice said...

Your blogwritings blessed and encouraged me this morning...
it is an good starting of my week...

Thanks and have an great week
bernice