"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORKING IN ALL THINGS"

"SHARING HOPE THROUGH SCRIPTURE ABOUT GOD'S WORKING IN ALL THINGS"

Romans 8:28 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.

Some explanatory thoughts/application/questions, and a prayer:

This verse has probably brought more comfort to Christians down through the ages than just about any other.
It certainly has been that way for me, and most people I've known. Paul is describing and explaining the Christian life in this portion of Romans, and He is specifically talking about the way the Lord works in our lives. He explains in great detail how God is at work in every last thing that happens to us.

Here's how it reads in the NLT Rom 8:28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

1. Here's a fact/truth that we know.
Romans 8:28 And we know etc.

You will notice what Paul says in the first part of this verse. He talks about what he and other Christians, know.
Paul knew this to be true, because it was God's Word.
And, Paul believed it to be true because it was God's Word.
Faith brings the truth of God's Word into our lives and brings with it, the blessings He intends.
And, this fact is a blessing indeed .
This is a fact that you can know and believe and be blessed by.

2. Here is the fact/truth that we know.
Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good ....etc.

The fact/truth is that God is causing all things that are in our lives to work together for good in our lives.
That is a blessing indeed.
Think for a moment as to the meaning of this truth.
Everything that happens to you, the good, the difficult, the painful, the evil, the bad, the sin, literally everything, is by God's working, made to work together for good in your life.
This is an incredible blessing indeed.

3. Here's who this fact/truth is for.
Romans 8:28 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.

This fact/truth is not a blanket promise or truth for all people.
But rather it's for a specific group of people.
That group of people are identified in the verse.
They are the one's who love God and the ones who are called according to His purpose.
In other words, this fact/truth, is for every Christian.
So, if you are a believer, than this wonderful truth is for you.

4. Here's a fact/truth about God's intentions and plans.
Romans 8:28 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.

You will notice at the end of the verse, that it speaks of God's purpose.
It's interesting to pause and think for a moment about the fact that God has a purpose for you.
We often think about our purpose, but God has a purpose as well.
What is the purpose of God?
What would you say it is?
How would you describe it?

In short, His purpose is to save you from your sins, from eternal separation from Himself, to be Your God in this life, to be so involved in your life, that He is working all things together for good in your life. And, to cause you to grow up into the man Christ Jesus. To use you as you use your spiritual gifts to serve others, and thus serve the Lord. To bless you, to keep you, to protect you, to help you, to forgive you, to guide you, to provide for you, to show You His love, to give you joy, peace and all that goes along with the fruit of His Spirit. And, when it's all said and done, to take you to heaven to be with Him forever.
That's His purpose. And the truth is, that more could be said, but we just don't have the time here today to list them all.

Some questions:

1. Are you familiar with this verse?

2. Have you ever really thought deeply about it.?

3. Would you take a moment to re-read it, and ponder what it says?.

4. Would you try to memorize this verse, it's an easy one to commit to memory?.

5. How would you describe it's effect upon you today, reading this devotional and thinking about this verse?

A prayer:

Father, Your Word is like nothing else in the entire world. You have provided us with all we need to live for You. You give us daily bread as it were. We run across verses in the Bible like this one, that strike us deeply, and are like a well of fresh water that never runs dry. Father this truth has comforted so many of Your children. And, for those of us who are familiar with it, we would like to say thank You for the many, many times You have brought it to our minds just at the right time. This truth is like a pillow for our soul. We can rest on it, and find endless comfort. Thank You Lord. In Jesus name.

Pastor Bob Grenier
Calvary Chapel Visalia