Message from Scripture: 12/16/2021

 

Our message from Scripture today is Rom. 8:28: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”

 

Everyone experiences difficulties in their lives.  It's part of living in a world influenced by sin. That everyone has trials in life shouldn't be an issue. The real question to ask is how each of us face our trials.

 

Our Scripture for today is much easier to read when everything is going as we want, than it is when our world falls apart. Please note, however, Paul is not telling us everything that happens in life is good. He also isn't minimizing, or making light of, the problems we do face.  He is saying, however, that even from the midst of adversity, God can bring good.

 

Paul understood this principle as well as anyone. God told Ananias, when he went to preach the gospel to Paul, that He would show Paul how much he must suffer for His name (Acts 9:16). If we read 2 Cor. 11:23-29, we catch a glimpse of some of what Paul went through to offer this message of salvation to others. There were times God appeared to Him, to offer Him encouragement through these trials (Acts 18:9; 23:11), but he still had to face those trials. It wouldn’t be easy, but in the strength God provided he endured and offered many the opportunity to have a hope that reached to eternity.

 

What is the application for us? May we look at life through the eyes of faith, whatever our situation is, and find the good, even in times that aren't so good.  In Christ, no matter the situation, we have an abundant life.  Today, no matter what, let’s go out to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and find God's richest blessings, now and forever. God bless.

 

Robert