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
Context and Charge:
There is a confidence that underpins the words of today's verse. These words come from a place of personal experience, not just theoretical postulations. It is also important to also determine who the WE in this verse refers to. The rest of this verse makes it clear that it is referring to people who are the called, according to God's purpose. This call isn't something to be taken lightly or joked with; God who calls has eternity in view. He is the One who knows how my life and its choices and decisions fit into his eternal plan. When he calls, he is seeking to impact both the earthly and the eternal. Mere positive confession, with no personal life profession cannot give you the confidence and assurance that this verse underscores. Am I a partaker of that glory available in Christ? It is not enough to just say it; my daily life must prove it.
I also note that it says ALL things, whether good or bad. Too many times, we hear the argument that if God is a good God, why do bad things happen in the world? Have we ever considered the effect of free will given to man? Do we not know that actions have consequences? Would you plant corn, and then fast and pray to harvest yam? We cannot blame God for the consequences of our own sin, as He has supplied grace and strength for us to live right. If we decide to reject his gift, we must not turn around and hold him responsible for what we do. Yet, for all who share in the glory described above, we have a standing guarantee that everything God allows will work for our good. This can only also be true when the One who is working them all out is powerful enough to ensure that all ends well. Who else can make such utterances or promises?
Conviction and Conclusion:
The connection between identity and conclusion is one that must be emphasized. Do not lay hold of the promise and the conclusion if you will not submit to the process by sorting out your identity. We serve a God of absolute power and wisdom, and He cannot be fooled by hypocrisy, eye-service or deception. He is too powerful to create human beings with no purpose or direction, but there is the power given to every man to make a choice to love God with our whole being. When I love God, I will serve without compulsion. I will surrender to His will without contention. When God knows He has my whole life under His control, He knows I am completely surrendered, and that he can use my life to achieve his purpose and will. Does this describe me in any way? Are there identity issues I need to sort out? God's time of favour is here.
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