Almost every Christian can quote Romans 8:28. What does "All things" include? - The daily circumstances of our lives, the major events as well as the incidentals. They include tests, triumphs, the individuals who touch our lives, and even the attacks of the enemy. When adverse circumstances arise, it is hard to see how any good can come from them. Here is where God's purpose comes in. Read verse 29. God's plan is that we might be conformed to the likeness of his Son. Do we realize this or do we stop at the first half of verse 28? Do we ignore the second half? God's purpose is mentioned in verse 28 but it is spelled out for us in verse 29. There are two points to remember. First, these verses do not promise only happiness and good things to Christians. God allows testing but He wants to use those tests to develop in us more of Christ's character. Secondly, verse 28 does not mean what has been called "Christian fatalism". "Our son broke his leg but never mind, all things work together for good." That is NOT what is meant here. "In all things God works," doing what? He is seeking to produce more of the likeness of His Son in us. That's a bit different, isn't it? How much like Jesus are we really? When someone hurts us or speaks against us, how much of Christ's love do we show? When disappointments come, can we still trust in God to turn it to our good and to make us more like Christ? That is what He wants to do. Can we believe His word and trust Him in every situation to work out His will and purpose? A VERSE TO REMEMBER: "Being transformed into his likeness." (2 Corinthians3:18) |
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