that's a big verse

There are many verses that Christians run to when asked what their favorite Bible verse is.  Some of the common verses you will here are John 3:16, Philippians 4:13, Jeremiah 29:11 and others.  One that we often hear and share is this:

Romans 8:28  KJV

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.

Our family spent some time talking about this verse during our family devotion.  It is sweet to hear some of the things that this verses says to different people.  Take a minute to read through the verse again, and as you read it notice what sticks out to you.

I’d like to share some of my thoughts from this verse that encourage my faith to soar higher and higher.  This really is exciting.

“we know”

Some things we just know.  Believe it.  Use it like a strong foundation that you know will be there tomorrow and next year and far beyond.  This verse begins with a theological conclusion that God gave us and that nothing can change.  Build on all of this verse with the fact that this is simply a fact.

“all things work together”

All things means all things.  It is the bad and difficult things that work toward our growth and God’s best for us.  It is also the great and good things that work together.  Who is doing the working?  God is.  We can trust Him.  We must trust Him with every piece of our lives, the good and the bad.

“for good”

This is God’s good in our lives.  He has a plan for us that will lead to success, strength and so much more.  If we really do believe what God says, the result will be the best for me.  It is better than what I will get on my own.

“called”

Called is almost a sidebar to the rest of the verse, but it fits well.  God is working in our lives because we are His kids, but we are His kids because He called us.  He called us first to Himself.  He then called us to allow His best to be worked out in our lives.  And the reason for His best in us is because God called us out.  Strength comes from knowing God is working in my life.  There is more to come.

“His purpose”

This is where we will close.  His purpose ought to be where our focus is all the time.  That means we trust God when we cannot see what is happening, when we don’t understand what God is doing and when the pain or struggle is more than we can stand.  God is working it all for good.  It is for His purpose. 

That purpose is bigger than anything that would revolve around our lives.  It will often include more people than just us.  Much like a child who doesn’t get his or her way, a parent knows best for the long run what will bring the best our way.  God knows what is best for us.

Trust God.  He is working it all out!

Romans 8:37-38  NLT

No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us…And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.