“When we choose, in the midst of our trauma, to praise God anyway. Something happens in that moment…
Most individuals, when they get a raise or when everything is great and everyone is healthy and happy can say, “Praise God, thank you Jesus.” Anybody can do that. A lost person can do that. But when the trials of life come and the difficulties overwhelm you and you still praise Him. That tells you that your faith is real.”
- Pastor Tony Walliser
“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 NIV
I’m not sure how it works or why it works that way, but sometimes its as if a certain passage just jumps off the page. Other times, it’s as if the passage is hidden in the words.
It’s almost as if God is trying to tell me something as my Spirit is searching for comfort and direction in His Word.
Today’s passage reminds us that God is in control, that He is in charge. In all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The New Living Translation says it this way, with a bit of a different wrinkle:
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
And the New American Standardversion has yet another wrinkle:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Yet, despite the slight differences, the message is clear - God uses all things to work together for our good... and His glory.
As a follower of Jesus, I’m reminded that God’s in control. I just have to let go and let God...
Let go and let God… mold me and make me into Jesus’ image.
Let go and let God… be my guide, be my lighthouse
Let go and let God… and praise Him in the storm, in the struggle, in the midst of the junk.
Let go and let God be God… for He is God and I am not.
His ways are not my ways… and all too often my ways are not His…
O Lord, help us remember that You work all things together for Your good and Your glory... and thus, mine… one who has been called according to Your will and Your purpose. Amen.
“About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, “Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!””
- Acts 16:25-28 NIV
