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Wednesday, July 2, 2025

02Jul

Romans 8:28

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)

All things. Good, bad, whatever. We want to control our lives so what we think are bad things don’t happen to us. Paul is telling us that God is in control, and can see outcomes that we cannot. Sin is in our world, and often, that is what we see most, and that can change our outlook. Or just our humanity, in that death is real in our lives and causes grief and loss in families. Yet it is hard to tell someone dealing with a death that all things work together for the good of those who love God.

When in your life has something happened that you thought was unfortunate or even catastrophic only to eventually work out to your benefit? Maybe that hasn’t happened to you, but our lives are shaped by God’s hand every day with decisions about jobs, family, health, and even what we eat for dinner. For me, this passage is more about a calm feeling that God is in control and I don’t have to worry. Prayerful decisions are always necessary but God is able to take some of our wrong decisions and turn them to good anyway, (not in any way intended to be a free pass for dumb decisions!). Some things that happen are totally out of our control. Because God is in control, we can rest assured that He knows our problems, and if we love Him, we can look for good things to come our way. They may only be small things at times, and it’s not a guarantee you’re going to be wealthy or anything like that. When you concentrate on your spiritual life, good things look very different from good things in your earthly life. Let the Holy Spirit guide you in your spiritual life, and trust that all things, even the unpleasant parts of life, are how God is shaping your life for your benefit.

Questions for Reflection:

  • What wonderful event has happened in your life this week?
  • What happened that wasn’t good?
  • Can you see yet how these events work for your benefit?

Prayer:

Dear Lord, help us realize that you are shaping our lives with everything we experience. Give us a glimpse of your love every day so we may trust in you, and concentrate on our spiritual lives. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Holy SpiritTrust

Tags
controlexperiences
Posted by Joel Sunderman

Joel and his wife Nancy are retired music educators, but are now full time grandparents to two wonderful grandchildren.  Parks, zoos, toys, old games (do you remember Merry Milkman?) take up much of the day, but music (Men’s Chorus, trumpet and hammered dulcimer) and woodcarving keep Joel from getting into too much trouble. Their daughter, Julie, and her husband David Masciale are also members of Southwood.

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