And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28
Have you ever watched a cooking competition on television? Usually, contestants are given the challenge to incorporate several different ingredients into their creations, sometimes with a very slim timeframe. It can be fun to watch them work to include different elements into their unique recipes, especially if they succeed in creating their unique combinations. In some respects, this fun picture reflects how God works in the world.
Paul wrote in today’s verse that God works all things together for the good of those He has called to be His followers. Just like a chef, God takes the sweet hours, the bitter and painful times, the salty moments, and everything else to combine them into something purely good. And unlike the chefs on the television shows, He sets His own clock and He never fails. What the enemy means for evil, God miraculously transforms. And He does it all for the good of His children and for His own glory.
Thank God for His wonderful promise and take great hope in His goodness today. The Lord will work through those in positions of authority in the United States of America. He will continue to use changes in the economy and political divisions, and everything else this nation may face, to accomplish His good will. Pray for those who are currently in office and those who are campaigning in the midterm elections this year. Ask the Lord to draw them closer to Himself, and that He would be able to accomplish great things through the United States and its governing officials.
Today’s Verse: Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: James 1:2-4, 12-18
2 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
12 Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14 But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15 Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 18 Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
