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. Romans8:28
We started thinking about this verse yesterday... (we got as far as the word "good")
The "we" who know (by experience, faith and the help of the Holy Spirit) that God co-works in ALL things are the "we" who _love_ Him.
The wonderful news of God's working for good in all our circumstances isn't just a right that anyone can claim. It's for those who LOVE Him AND are called according to His purpose.
We're not passive in this process of God bringing about good. It's not as though I can experience chaos (or cause it) and then sit back and "claim" God's promise and wait for Him to make it good. We are active and hope-full as we lovingly put our trust in Him and co-work (as junior partners!) with Him to bring about good. Loving Him means we're ready to listen and obey.
The other important thing that needs to be remembered is that we are called according to HIS purpose. Sometimes I want God to deliver on MY agenda, but I need to learn that God's purpose isn't always the same as mine.
The comfort about His purpose for me is that it is ultimately bigger and more wonderful and more beautiful and more meaningful and more fulfilling than my purpose for me is!
(I'll end the reflections on this passage tomorrow with a stunning analogy!!!)
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Theo Groeneveld theo@emmanuel.org.za
You can see past EmmDevs at http://emmdev.blogspot.com/
