In All Things

- This is one of the greatest promises in the Bible. It gives hope and comfort to God's children. We know that no matter what circumstances we are going through, God will use them for our spiritual, eternal good and for His glory. This is a promise exclusively for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. God is the One who decides what's good for us according to His will and purpose. The ultimate good He wants for us is to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ (verse 29). Some Christians read verse 28 and expect what they personally think "the good" should be and when "the good" never comes, they either get disappointed, discouraged, or angry at God. God is more concerned about our holiness/Christlikeness than our happiness. It doesn't say God works for our comfort, pleasure, happiness, or wishes.
- The focus of this passage is on the action of God--His plan and the accomplishment of His plan. He foreknew, He predestined, He called, He justified, He glorified. The emphasis here is on what God does for those who love Him. God knew in eternity past who would become His children. They are predestined as having a particular place in God's purpose. They have been called/invited in grace, by God's Spirit through the gospel according to God's eternal purpose. "For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will." (Ephesians 1:4-5) They have been justified (declared not guilty). And they are brought to final glory. "Now if we are children, then we are heirs--heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:17-18) Glorification is viewed as past since it is as certain as if it had already happened. It's part of our eternally completed salvation.
- Trust God at all times. Thank God in all circumstances. God is in control; He is able to turn bad things, ugly things, useless things, sad situation, difficult situation, hopeless situation, anything, all things around for good. He knows how to turn whatever is meant for evil against us into a good outcome, as He did for Joseph. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives." (Genesis 50:20) Surrender all your burdens, stains, broken pieces, pain, sorrow, troubles, regrets to Him; He makes all things beautiful in His time. Our Heavenly Father knows what's best for us and He never makes mistakes. He is all-loving, all-wise, and all-powerful. God allows trials and sufferings in our lives to deepen and strengthen our faith & dependence on Him, to mold us into Christlikeness, and to wean us from this world. "We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope!" (Romans 5:3-4) His ultimate goal for us is not that we live an easy, problem-free life but that we grow closer to Him and become more like Christ. Rest in Him...come what may. Because I know that God is continuously/tirelessly working on my behalf for my good, I can truly say, "It is well with my soul."

 
"Christians are never in a no-win situation, but always in a no-lose situation, because even though we may not understand God’s reason for whatever happens to us, we can know that He is accomplishing a grand divine plan that will ultimately glorify Him and benefit us." (~Introduction to Biblical Counseling, p. 196)

"O Christian!

What though friends and relations frown upon you,
what though enemies are plotting and conspiring against you,
what though needs, like armed men, are breaking in upon you,
what though men rage, and devils roar against you,
what though sickness is devastating your family,
what though death stands every day at your elbow--
yet there is no reason for you to fear nor faint, because all these things shall work for your good! Yes, there is wonderful cause of joy and rejoicing, in all the afflictions and tribulations which come upon you--considering that they shall all work for your good." (~Thomas Watson)

This post is linked up with Fellowship Fridays @Christian Mommy Blogger, Faith-filled Friday @Missional Women, Spiritual Sundays,Essential Thing Devotions, Sharing His Beauty @The Beauty in His Grip, Playdates with God at The Wellspring, The Weekend Brew @My Freshly Brewed Life, Give Me Grace, andInspire Me Monday @Create With Joy.