And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 KJV
In context, Paul refers a lot to the word 'WE' in this entire chapter. It is good to place that word in context, so we know those to whom this passage is addressed. In several places in today's chapter, the identity of the WE is revealed: WE are debtors NOT to the flesh; WE are saved by hope; WE who walk not after the flesh but after the Spirit. It is therefore clear that the WE here refer to people who are no longer under the control and influence of the flesh, who have surrendered total control to the Spirit of God. Irrespective of colour, race or origin, the Lordship of Jesus over our lives makes us members of the same family and co-heirs of all that God has promised.
And there is a quiet but obvious confidence in the One in whom WE all have come to believe. There is a KNOW here that fills my heart with confidence that there are no accidents when it comes to the One who calls me to Himself. It is not suspicion, supposition or assumption; it is clear confidence that whatever it is that comes has passed through the One who calls me to Himself. In that knowledge I rest.
And it is not some things, but ALL things that are in focus here: the good and the not so good. When I know who I am and who I belong to, I get the clear understanding that I am in safe hands. As I read the story of men like Stephen, Jeremiah, Enoch and Paul, it is clear to me that even though their stories didn't come out as attractive, the fact that God approved of their lives shows that it is not what man thinks that matters but what God thinks. Man can call my life a failure based on human indices such as networth, bank balance and circle of influence, but if God says my life is all good, then it doesn't matter what any other opinion is.
And I repeat again: this is for people who LOVE GOD, WHO ARE THE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. God's purpose requires that all that is tied to it works to that same end. God will not allow anything to happen that defeats his end purpose. This is a God of awesome power and amazing wisdom, who brings the end to pass in line with his purpose. I have a task here, and it is to be certain, beyond all doubt, that what I am presently engaged in is in line with God's purpose for my life. Why would I expend energy, time and resources on things that God does not promote or approve of? Why would I spend time on things that God does not reckon with?
God's love for me opens the door for my heart to also love God in return. And for me to say the words of today's extract, it means that I have experienced the full range of events: the good, the bad and the ugly, but the conclusion will be today's extract: because I belong to the God who owns and holds everything in His hands, and nothing happens without His permission, I am at rest that even if death comes, it is but a phase into the fullness of all that God has planned for me. If who I know and what I hold is not worth dying for, then maybe it is not worth living or fighting for. His time of favour is here.
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