Books by Kimberly Griffith Anderson
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Romans 6:19 ESV
I am speaking in human terms, because of your
natural limitations.
For just as you once presented your members as
​slaves to impurity and to lawlessness leading to more
lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness leading to sanctification.
Copyright 2021 | Kimberly G. Massey | Kimberly Griffith Anderson, Author

All Things...

4/11/2021

6 Comments

 
​When I wrote Turn North, a 30-day devotional, I chose what I thought were 30 key Scriptures starting with Genesis 1:1, including OT and NT verses to offer a brief application segment for each.  Some were common Scriptures, but others not so much.  One common Scripture I wanted to include, but I couldn’t explain at the time was 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.”  

This is a common verse recited in times of trouble.  It’s a common verse recited from the pulpit.  There is even a song by Todd Galberth called “My Good.”  I think this verse could use a bit more explanation as we can all think of things that happen, even this week, that we cannot fathom resulting in anything good.  (1) First, I think it’s important that we not isolate one sentence from a passage.  In the passage, Paul is writing about how life on Earth cannot and should not be compared with the glory we will experience in Heaven.  (2) It’s also important to remember that what we consider good and what God considered good are not always the same things.  (3) Our timeline and God’s timeline are also not the same - in Him a day can be like a thousand years, but for us we want things yesterday!  (4) Sometimes we must be reflective to see the good in certain situations we experience.  (5) Good always brings God glory.  Good doesn’t mean our prayers are answered with a yes, necessarily, good always glorifies God.  

In Genesis, Joseph, the youngest son on Jacob was sold into slavery by his brothers because they despised him and were jealous of him.  Twenty years later, after enduring many trials as a slave in Egypt, he was put in charge of all the land and was Pharaoh's right-hand-man.  When his brothers came to Egypt to buy grain, because there was famine and Joseph’s grain in Egypt was the only grain there was, Joseph revealed himself to them saying, “Do not be distressed and do not be angry with yourselves for selling me here, because it was to save lives that God sent me ahead of you.”  (Gen. 45:5)  It was twenty years before the good was realized.  In Joseph’s reflection, God was glorified as having a much better plan than anyone could have ever imagined.

This past week you probably heard about the shooting that took place in my city.  A former NFL player went into the home of a prominent local doctor and killed him, his wife, two grandchildren, and an HVAC worker who was there.  This kind of thing is shocking, unbelievable and terribly sad.  We cannot fathom how God could possibly bring good from this.  I’m not someone to say that this incident was a part of God’s plan--I don’t think God planned this, but I do think He can bring forth good from this unthinkable situation.  The family released a statement that touched my soul and totally glorified God.  I felt I didn’t even need to hear the rest of the press conference.  “While we know there are no answers that will satisfy the question ‘why,’ we are sure of one thing: we do not grieve as those without hope. Our hope is found in the promise of Jesus Christ and we are enveloped by peace that surpasses all understanding. To that end, our hearts are bent towards forgiveness and peace, toward love and connectedness, toward celebration and unity.”

As Paul states in Romans 8:18 “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”  The deceased are now in the presence of God which is not even comparable to the life they experienced on Earth.  This is good.  The NFL player also killed himself.  His brain will be examined for CTEs - damage due to multiple concussions.  Much research into CTE likely paused during the pandemic, but this incident puts the need for more information back into the national spotlight - more good.  None of this good lessens our anger or sorrow, but we should not lose sight of the good in every situation, and as time goes on, more good may be revealed. 

Many of you know that our family experienced difficulties locating a house to purchase in January and February.  It was with a grudging spirit that we moved to an apartment until a new home could be found.  It’s now been six weeks, and I have learned that we can live with less!  We have lived on paper plates, 2 small frying pans, 2 pots, and 8 glasses; we have not used the dishwasher.  The apartment came with a small washer and dryer, not the super capacity as we are accustomed - but our clothes have been clean!  My husband and I have shared a single bathroom sink with no issues.  The boys have shared a bedroom and both have survived - I don’t think I’ve heard any fighting.  We have found a house and I believe it is the one the Lord intended for us to have.  It is slightly smaller than our old house, but I have every confidence all of our needs will be met and we will love it!   The good is that He taught us to live with less.  We can use some of our newly found excess to bless others and glorify Him - that’s good!

Romans 8:28 is not a simple Scripture to understand and it takes maturity in the Lord to see the good in all things.  Know that His thoughts are not our thoughts, and His plans are not our plans.  Understand that good is not always immediately obvious to man, but by and by we may understand and be able to give God the glory, in all things!  Amen. 


Thank you for reading!
Glorify God in all you do!  Amen!
Kim

Picture
Photo by James Barr on Unsplash
6 Comments
ALEX Q FAIR
4/11/2021 08:45:36 am

Awesome Devotion for the Day!!!

Reply
Cindy DuBose
4/11/2021 10:04:05 am

Thank you Kim.

Reply
Tonga
4/12/2021 11:28:59 am

Thank you for a blessed explanation of scripture and circumstance!

Reply
Janice Blocker
4/18/2021 12:17:04 pm

Thank you for your article this week!! Loved it!!

Reply
Diana
4/18/2021 03:10:06 pm

Thank you for sharing this message. It gives me hope.

Reply
D. Floyd
4/20/2021 07:01:15 am

Thank you , thank you a very needed word!

Reply



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    Kimberly G. Massey
    Kimberly Griffith Anderson, Author

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  • Home
  • Message2022
    • Message 2021
    • Blog2020
    • Blog2019
    • Blog
  • Kimberly's Books
    • Sowing Seeds with Brother Wali
    • Abstinence Books
    • But I Love My Husband / But We're Not Married
    • Fungi Books
    • Good Girl / Single Dad 19
    • Start Writing
    • Turn North
  • More Information
    • About the Author
    • Human Terms Publishing
    • Upcoming Book Events
    • Presentations
    • Pictures