THE STORY OF JESUS: Romans 8:28-30
“In all things God works for the good of those who love him.” (Romans 8:28)
A verse people love to quote to others, a verse people hate to hear.
‘How can my rape, my divorce, my tragedy, etc. be good, from God?’
‘If this is how God treats those He loves, I’d rather not be loved by Him!’
We need to be very sensitive and hesitant before quoting this to someone.
God is NOT the cause of evil or suffering, humanity is collectively.
Sin happens, and as a result evil and suffering happen.
We live in a sin and death cursed world, what Paul calls ‘the law of sin and death’.
But ‘the law of the Spirit of life’ is also at work, carrying us through.
Keeping us from total defeat, guiding us through crisis, bringing us to God.
God is not causing evil and suffering, He is working through it for good purpose.
In the stormy seas that threaten to sink us, He is the wind that moves us to safe harbor.
Jesus is our proof; He is the first one to break through suffering and death into life.
All those who are in Jesus are secure through the storm; Satan cannot win this one.
His love does not cause evil, His love carries us through it.
“Who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
The specifics of life are a misery, but it is better to feel called than cursed.
To realize that God can actually use our pain for some greater gain.
Who might be saved, who might be helped, what evil might be stopped, because of my path?
Like Jesus, our trials are redemptive, part of God’s efforts to save as many as possible.
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, I wish there was a way forward without suffering, but there is not. Thank You for making a way through suffering, and for somehow using my life to help others.