ALL THINGS
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Rom. 8:28
Paul was not giving us a new promise here, but it is probably one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. “All things” – not some – but ALL things work together for our good. That includes the good things and the bad things. How can that be? It is not good when someone dies. How can a terminal illness be good? There are many bad things which make it difficult to understand how God can work them together for good.
First, the disease, the death, the bad thing is not good in itself. Compared this verse to a recipe for bread. The ingredients by themselves – flour, baking powder… do not taste good. However, when you mix everything together and bake it, then it is delicious.
Next, there are some good things that occur during the bad times of our lives. Trials drive us to our knees in prayer. Trials often make heaven sweeter for us, because it will be a glorious time without pain, illness and tears. A trial can equip us to help someone else when they go through similar problems.
Personally, the best thing to come out of my trials was to see God’s promises fulfilled. I have experienced boundless grace, peace, joy, protection, strength, and love. My visual impairment has brought me so close to God that I would rather lose my remaining vision than to lose the sweet relationship that I have with God.
Friend, you may be going through tremendous trials right now. Don’t turn away from God or be angry with Him. That is what the devil wants. Run into the arms of your heavenly Father, and let Him work all things together for your good and His glory.
Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.
ALL THINGS
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. – Rom. 8:28
Paul was not giving us a new promise here, but it is probably one of the most comforting verses in the Bible. “All things” – not some – but ALL things work together for our good. That includes the good things and the bad things. How can that be? It is not good when someone dies. How can a terminal illness be good? There are many bad things which make it difficult to understand how God can work them together for good.
First, the disease, the death, the bad thing is not good in itself. Compared this verse to a recipe for bread. The ingredients by themselves – flour, baking powder… do not taste good. However, when you mix everything together and bake it, then it is delicious.
Next, there are some good things that occur during the bad times of our lives. Trials drive us to our knees in prayer. Trials often make heaven sweeter for us, because it will be a glorious time without pain, illness and tears. A trial can equip us to help someone else when they go through similar problems.
Personally, the best thing to come out of my trials was to see God’s promises fulfilled. I have experienced boundless grace, peace, joy, protection, strength, and love. My visual impairment has brought me so close to God that I would rather lose my remaining vision than to lose the sweet relationship that I have with God.
Friend, you may be going through tremendous trials right now. Don’t turn away from God or be angry with Him. That is what the devil wants. Run into the arms of your heavenly Father, and let Him work all things together for your good and His glory.
Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale
A Mountain of Faith 