We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him. Romans 8:28
Paul wrote the above words to the Romans out of a conviction based on his own experience. We, too, believe that God works in all things for our good. He works for our good in the big and beautiful things like providing us with godly parents and good childhood training, a sound education and stimulating employment, good friends and faithful neighbors. We generally expect good things to produce other good things.
When Paul says, "all things," however, he includes also unpleasant things -- the little irritating things like a subway train five minutes late or a nasty remark from an unkind person. He means also the larger disappointing things like loss of employment and increasing loneliness; great and crushing things like broken health and impoverishing medical expenses.
Yet all things do not work together for good for all people, but only for those who love God. Thus the Christian first looks into his or her own heart and asks, "Do I love God?" The answer will be: "Of course, I do. Surely I have to admit that at times my love is a roaring flame and at times a tiny flicker. But I love God!" Such a Christian can be sure that all things will work together for his or her good. Even the Christian's mistakes are not necessarily his or her undoing, for God can overrule them and make them serve the greater good.
PRAYER: God, I love You. Let everything turn out to my good. Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Hosea 9-11 Romans 15:14-33
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