All Things...

​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

Photo by James Barr on Unsplash