God Is Always Working For Our Good

"Today's Devotion" For August 8, 2006

Read: Romans 8:18-39; Psalm 147

GOD IS ALWAYS WORKING FOR OUR GOOD

"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)

Over the past couple of weeks life at our house has been faced with just a few challenges. My wife, Susan, got word about two weeks ago that the school in which she's been teaching for the past 10 years may have to close because of mismanagement on the part of the administration. That means not only the loss of income but the loss of our health insurance, impacting health coverage requirements for our children in high school and those in college. Less than a week after getting this news, on a Sunday morning, we discovered that someone had stolen my van right out of our driveway from between the buildings. The insurance claim isn't going to be much since it was an old van - to replace it will be impossible.

Now, in the grand scheme of life, these situations are but a small pimple in the road. When I think about the many people who are starving, have no clean clothing, or a roof over their heads, live in constant fear of their lives because they live in war torn parts of the earth or crime infested communities, or the many people who have no family or friends to turn to in time of need, and the many people who have poor health and no access to medical care, and...well, you get the picture...I realize that the events of the past couple of weeks don't match up in comparison. They're annoying, that's true. But they aren't the end of the world.

Perhaps you're experiencing such challenges in your life also. No doubt all of us have had some annoyances in our lives - things that cut into the smooth operation of our existence and cause a bit of angst. At the time they may have seemed overwhelming and debilitating. What's often the case for us when we're faced with such circumstances is that we forget to look for God's hand in them.

St. Paul certainly knew what it was to face seemingly insurmountable troubles, challenges, and odds. Throughout his ministry he was faced with danger, ridicule, jail, and, finally, death. In spite of those obstacles, he kept his eyes on the prize of his calling in Christ - the forgiveness of sins and the hope of heaven. Thus, he could write to the Roman church and Christians everywhere that God's hand was and is at work in every aspect of our lives and that no matter the circumstances we may face, "all things work together for the good of those who love Him" for He has a purpose in mind for each of us through Christ our Lord (Romans 8:28).

It's now two weeks since Susan found out she might be losing her teaching position. In those two weeks she's been working hard to solve the problems that are facing the school. She's received assistance from a congregation that is adamant that they're going to overcome this hurdle and are feverishly working with her and other teachers to rectify the administrative issues and keep the school open. Perhaps, for the first time in many years, the congregation realizes that the mission God has given them has been neglected and is in danger of failure, and it has galvanized them to action.

Will the school remain open? That question is still unanswered. What we do know however is that God has a purpose in mind for the school, for the congregation, for the teachers, and for all the children seeking enrollment for this next year. In each of our lives the uncertainties can mount as well. Yet, as St. Paul notes for us, God has a purpose for us - He has called us in Christ to that purpose and everything will turn out for our good, especially as it regards our relationship with Him, the forgiveness of our sins, and the final hope of life with Christ forever in heaven. We can be certain that God is always working for our good for we are His dearly loved children, redeemed in Christ.

Prayer: Father, help me to face the challenges and dangers of life on earth with confidence, hope, and joy, knowing that You're in charge of everything and nothing can separate me from Your love. Give me the confidence to trust that “all things work together for the good of those who love You, who have been called according to Your purpose.” In that trust, help me to walk with my head held high, filled with faith and trust in Christ Jesus, my Savior and Lord. In that faith lead me to be a true ambassador of Your peace to the world. Keep me from being afraid or uncertain about the future, and help me to put myself and the whole world in Your loving, all-powerful, and caring hands each and every day. So fill me with faith, by the power of Your Word and Spirit, that I might step forth in life each day, assured that I never walk alone and that I have hope and joy in Jesus; in Whose name I pray. Amen.
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--Pastor Boeck

Copyright @2006 Rev. Richard J. Boeck, Jr. All rights reserved.