We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 WEB
In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes about Christians participating in suffering, groaning together like a woman in labor, waiting for her child to be born. As children adopted into God’s family, we wait for the return of our Savior so that we may inherit our resurrected bodies and experience eternity with God. Along the way, the Holy Spirit helps those that love God as we trust our Lord to work all things together for good.
There Is Strength to Endure for Those That Love God
There is no condemnation for those in Christ. The Spirit gives us confidence that nothing can separate us from the love of God. We often misapply this popular scripture. Taken out of context, it can encourage the believer to think that life will only get better and better. This is a good thought, but trouble will come from time to time and God will give us strength to endure it. When challenges come, along with these words from Romans, remember this verse from Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me. WEB”
Paul knew the difficulties that come from service in Christ and sharing the gospel. Rather than encouraging the faithful to believe that life will be free from trouble, the great apostle seems to be offering these words as reassurance for the difficult days that lie ahead. They are words of comfort for people that will go through trials of all sorts.
“All things” refers to anything that believers may experience including tribulations, pain, and suffering. Good days and bad, for those God calls to his purpose, all things work for the glory of the Lord.
Not of The World
Consider these words from Jesus Christ given in John 15:18-19, “If the world hates you, you know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, since I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for your word and the help received from the Holy Spirit. Guide me to do your will as all things work for your glory. Give me wisdom. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Lord Is Mighty