“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.”
—Romans 8:28 (NIV)
Do we really understand what this passage is saying?
I think we translate this scripture from our life perspective, not understanding God’s. We believe He’s going to do something good by turning around the situation, showing up to redeem the bad, and feeling discouraged when we don’t see God move the way we thought He would.
God does show up miraculously; I can testify of His mercy, but that’s not what this passage is saying to us.
In order to understand God’s heart behind these words, we have to know what He means when we read: “who have been called according to His purpose.”
What is the call on our lives as children of God?
It’s to become more like Him.
Over the years, as I continually yield to the Holy Spirit through hard seasons, He has shown me that while He doesn’t cause harm, evil, or life’s storms (and there have been countless hits), He uses them to shape and mold me into becoming more like Him.
That’s God’s heart for us.
As we yield to Him in all things, at all times, in all situations, the Holy Spirit moves powerfully in us and through us, producing His fruit, and what comes out of us looks like our Father.
When the heat of life gets turned up, and we remain steadfast in Him, we become that purified image of Christ.
It’s how we can shine when our circumstances are dark.
It’s how we can love others without getting it in return.
It’s how we can reflect His glorious image, literally, not figuratively…
It’s where we learn to walk like Him, talk like Him, love like Him, and understand what it means to be at peace in the midst of life’s storms.
We can’t even begin to comprehend the spiritual freedom we will experience unless we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us the way He intends.
God wants to work all things together for your good, according to His purpose, as He shapes and molds you into becoming a vessel of His heart that glorifies Him.
Do you love Him?
Surrender your will for His and allow the Holy Spirit to have His way in and through you as He brings you from glory to glory, for His glory.
Father, I’m realizing how much I live in a mental state of hopelessness and discouragement because life has been hard, and I haven’t seen the turnaround that I’ve been believing for. I have experienced miracles, but I have also experienced so much loss and pain, not understanding how you can use any of this for my good…until today. I’ve been so self-focused, not even considering the call that you have on my life — to become more like You. Forgive me for consuming myself with thoughts and feelings that keep me a victim to life rather than walking like Your victorious child who is filled with Your power and presence, empowered to shine like You in the darkness of life. Today, I am lining my heart and mind up with Your will for me as You work all things together for good. Have Your way in me. In Jesus’ mighty name, I pray, amen.
