This blog post today I was inspired by the bible class I had yesterday in church. So as an encouragement to brothers and sisters in Christ out there who are suffering in a way or another. Let's start by looking at the bible passage that this post will be based on today:
Romans 8:28-39 (ESV version)
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
God's Everlasting Love
31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written,
“For your sake we are being killed all the day long;
we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
God's Promises
Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good, for those who are called according for his purpose. God promises us that all things that happen to us would be for a good, but he did not promise that our lives would be smooth and plain sailing. In fact, some of these "things" are mentioned in Romans 8:35 - tribulation (trouble in NIV version), distress (hardship in NIV version), persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, sword. We see that the "things" that are mentioned are not good. But God allows things to happen for a purpose/purposes that are unknown to us most of the time.
If you ask anyone what is the best for him/her, it may be different from what is best for you, and what is best for another person, and it may also differ from time to time. What is best for me now may be to have excellent grades, but in the future it may be to have a stable job which I love. Opinions as to what is the best differs. However, God knows what is best for us, and ultimately will allow things to happen for a reason. It may be not allowing us to get into certain schools because it might not be the best for us, it may be not allowing a relationship to happen because the other party is not the best for us, and it may be not allowing us to get our 'dream' job because it doesn't suit us. Ultimately, whatever that happens, trust God that he has a purpose for you.
No separation
There will be no charge against God's people - God justifies (verse 33)
There will be no condemnation - Christ intercedes (verse 34)
There will be no separation from the love of God - Christ loves (verse 35)
Nothing can separate us from the love of God (verses 35-39). Even though in difficult times we feel that God is suddenly very far away from us, but in fact, he still loves us just the same, only that he allowed these difficult times to be present in our lives.
In Summary
What we think is good for us may not be so in God's eyes. He allows everything to happen in our lives for a purpose. Ultimately, God still loves us and nothing can separate us from His love.
God bless you all, and have a great week ahead!
If you ask anyone what is the best for him/her, it may be different from what is best for you, and what is best for another person, and it may also differ from time to time. What is best for me now may be to have excellent grades, but in the future it may be to have a stable job which I love. Opinions as to what is the best differs. However, God knows what is best for us, and ultimately will allow things to happen for a reason. It may be not allowing us to get into certain schools because it might not be the best for us, it may be not allowing a relationship to happen because the other party is not the best for us, and it may be not allowing us to get our 'dream' job because it doesn't suit us. Ultimately, whatever that happens, trust God that he has a purpose for you.
Romans 8:18 (ESV) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
No separation
There will be no charge against God's people - God justifies (verse 33)
There will be no condemnation - Christ intercedes (verse 34)
There will be no separation from the love of God - Christ loves (verse 35)
Nothing can separate us from the love of God (verses 35-39). Even though in difficult times we feel that God is suddenly very far away from us, but in fact, he still loves us just the same, only that he allowed these difficult times to be present in our lives.
In Summary
What we think is good for us may not be so in God's eyes. He allows everything to happen in our lives for a purpose. Ultimately, God still loves us and nothing can separate us from His love.
God bless you all, and have a great week ahead!
James 5:13 (ESV) Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.
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