I find Romans 8:28 and Philippians 1:12-14 to be some of the most comforting verses in Scripture–and, of course, the Bible is filled with comfort and hope.
On my seventeenth birthday my present was getting my appendix removed. It was a real present because the pain was unbearable. At the same time I had a cast on my left arm from having it crushed in a collision between a fence post and a pick-up truck.
At that point in my young life, I was as low as I could get. After I left the recovery room and finally could think clearly, my mother brought my Bible and quoted Romans 8:28 from the King James Version of the Bible: “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
While I had not lived long enough to know the truth of that verse by experience, I believed my mother, believed God, and believed the Bible. I can still remember the sense of hope and comfort I received from those words.
How do we know these words are true?
First, they are God’s words given to instruct and bless us and to reveal Him. Simply because we know He doesn’t make any mistakes, we know these words are true.
Second, we know these words are true because of the character of God. Because of who He is we know He cares for us and works for our good in spite of our circumstances.
Third, we know this concept is true because we find it throughout Scripture.
Joseph’s brothers sold him as a slave in Egypt and God worked through his troubles to make a great nation from the sons of Jacob. Joseph told his brothers: “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). Pharaoh’s army pursued Israel and Israel sang a song of triumph because God worked for good (Exodus 14-15).
In the New Testament, Peter and John faced imprisonment and God used their plight to embolden them more than ever to proclaim Christ to be the only Savior (Acts 4).
We see Paul was correct. The gospel advanced because Paul, who had wanted to go to Rome as a preacher, had to go to Rome as a prisoner. God used his imprisonment to give us much of the New Testament in the form of Paul’s letters to the churches.
What can God do in the circumstances of our lives if we trust and obey Him?
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This verse is one, of course, I have mentioned before in this blog and one that has driven much of life, the reason I have been so openly sharing with the “Bride of Christ.” For how can they know unless a preacher tells them.
This is a verse that puts the burden squarely on the individual to Trust God thereby Glorifying Him in whatever the circumstance. It is not a verse that gives hope we will prevail in this world, have flesh comforts or the “normal” joys of family and friends. It is a verse that transfixes the end of our focus from this flesh, this earth to the Creator Redeemer’s Purpose and Paradigm. It is a verse whose message can only be accomplished through His Strength. It is not a verse to be taken lightly. For in the whole context of these writings of Paul, he gives motivational speech after speech for the Body/Bride of Christ to “Wake up.” To recognize that to be in Christ is to be incorporated with every member of Christ and indeed, We are our Brother’s Keeper in His Kingdom on Earth as it is in Heaven. So read Romans 12:5 as the explanation how Romans 12:1 and 2 are carried out with the promise of our Purpose being realized by our choice to Glorify Him now into eternity. (My caps related to Deity) “And we know that all things work together for good to them that Love God, to them who are The Called according to His Purpose.”
Romans 8:29 – For whom He did foreknow, He also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.
Romans 8:30 – Moreover whom He did predestinate, them He also called and whom He called, them He also justified: and whom He justified, them He also glorified.
The burden of God’s being glorified is upon His. Romans 12:5, Romans 12:21 It is the Mission of Jefferson Parish Museum to bring Hope in Remembrance, His Presence in a Purpose Driven Life.
“There is no Good apart from God.” Lord help me to continue, to show up that You may do Your Work through me to Your Glory. AMEN.
Great examples!
Blessings
Jhn 16:33 has also been a tremendous help to me:
These things I have spoken unto you , that in me ye might have peace . In the world ye shall have tribulation : but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world.
Combined with Christ’s promise to abide in and with us forever, this verse helps me remember that, even though my life will never be easy and free of tribulation [at least for very long] I can be cheerful. Jesus [in me] has overcome all the tribulations of my life, and even death, which is my final victory in Him.
Thank you for each day you share with us. I enjoyed my visit in Covington and your message on May 19th really touched me. As I prepared to leave on the 14th to come to New Orleans, I was scared because it was the first time I had driven back by myself in about 10 years. After much prayer and asking God to come with me, I was driving down highway 31, approaching the dealership where I had purchased by car and very plainly a voice said
“pull into the dealership”, which I replied,” but I don’t have time.” As I drove closer and the driveway came into view
it was a light tap on my arm and a voice said “Now, pull into the dealership”. O.K. I replied. I pulled into the service department and the service man said “May I help you”. Not really knowing what to say, “I said duh, check my tires as I am driving o New Orleans. He checked all around and came back and said “I hate to tell you this but you need to get out and let me show you the rear back tire. Now, I wasn’t sure what to look for, but he pointed to the tire and I clearly saw a nail sticking out. Well long story short, I said “Thank you Lord” and had
to replace the tire. I knew then as many times before and always, God, still is with me.
IJohn 4:18 – Where God’s love is there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear.
Thank God for His goodness and blessings.