Good for Those who Love God

Scripture: We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. Roman 8:28

Observation: As Paul examines the struggles of life, he outlines an entire treatise on the power of God's love to sustain the faithful through trials and challenges. He says that suffering is meaningless in the context of eternal glory, that our struggles exist explicitly to reveal the joy of God's love that emerges from the struggles, that even when we are distraught the Holy Spirit knows our needs and joins with us, and our victory is sure because God himself is with us ... so who can be against us.

In all of this, Paul acknowledges the struggles themselves, but treats them as a symptom of this world that God uses to both grow faith and increase joy.

Application: I never thought I would have reason to blog on this best-known and oft-quoted verse of Romans ...

I have often thought that mighty trials have not befallen me. Well, they are here, and the attack is aggressive and oppressive. I wasn't ready for it, and as I become stronger I know the attack will strengthen too. I can see a lot of bad outcomes ahead, and very few "good" outcomes. And honestly ... that is why God's victory will be all the more loving and joyful for me! It is probably true that I needed my faith to grow, and now that I have nothing left but that faith, I feel it swell within me. Sure, sometimes it ebbs as well, but certainly I am confident even this thing works together for the good, as I love God.

Prayer: My Lord and my God. Abba. Please provide for me. I lean into your promises, with full faith in your love and might. I don't see a way forward, but I don't need to, either. You are with me while I walk through this valley of my enemies. Thank you for your great love. Amen.