And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 NIV
This inspiring scripture encourages the believer to understand that God is at work in all circumstances. No matter what you are going through in life, God has the power to turn it around for good according to his purpose. God, in his infinite wisdom, can use negative circumstances to teach us lessons and draw us nearer to him. He can also radically transform negative situations to bring a positive outcome.
Rely on the Lord
Have you ever noticed how much we begin to rely on the Lord when things do not go our way? Through trials and tribulations, we learn perseverance, patience and gain a more mature relationship with God.
Consider Christ on the cross. When Judas betrayed Jesus and the Romans were attempting arrest, we read in John 18:10, “Then Simon Peter, who had a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, cutting off his right ear. – NIV” Simon, who loved the Lord, did not want the soldiers to arrest him. And yet, Jesus corrected him and allowed his own arrest, fully knowing the suffering he would endure.
It would seem, as it did to Simon, that the arrest was not working for good. However, our salvation through the sacrifice of Christ depended upon it. God’s ways are higher than our ways. His understanding is greater than our own. The Lord can turn what seem like certain losses into victories. When we love God, he promises to do that with the negative situations in our lives.
God is good and only good. He is well able to turn what the enemy meant to destroy us into victory according to his purpose.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for working all things for good. Guide me to do your will today and forever. Help me to walk in your love. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Cross of Our Lord
