Friday, August 18, 2017
Romans 8:28-30 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. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
IN CONTEXT: WE KNOW THAT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD (5)
The Gospel proves God loves me, unworthy as I am, with a love surpassing any love I might know on earth.
Because of what my Savior Jesus has done for me, a poor sinner, how can I then doubt the heavenly Father's love if and when He asks me to endure tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, peril, or sword?
Yes, since I know God's unconditional love for me, I know that He intends also every painful experience or circumstance to be for my spiritual and eternal good. I can count it a blessing if God chooses to test and strengthen my faith through trials and reverses, pain and suffering, none of which happen by chance.
The book of Ecclesiastes says: "God has made everything beautiful in its time" (3:11). The word beautiful means more than outward beauty; it also means "appropriate" or "fitting."
God has made everything appropriate for its time. Though it may be difficult to understand and accept, each part of our life "fits" God's masterplan, for indeed "... we know [beyond a shadow of a doubt] that all things work together for good to them that love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
I leave all things to God's direction;
He loves me both in joy and woe.
His will is good, sure His affection;
His tender love is true, I know.
My fortress and my rock is He:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
God knows what must be done to save me;
His love for me will never cease.
Upon His hands He did engrave me
With purest gold of loving grace.
His will supreme must ever be:
What pleases God, that pleases me.
(Lutheran Service Book, 719:1-2)
