Again
this week we feature an excerpt from The Promises of God ©1998 by Discipleship
Publications International. This week’s post is from a chapter by Henry Kriete
who lives in British Columbia.
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
Life
can overwhelm us sometimes. Tragedy can overtake us. Disappointments and
failures and misunderstandings can wreak havoc with our best plans and most
cherished dreams. Friends suffer, and loved ones die. Diseases rip us apart,
and trusted partners fail us. We are overlooked for promotions, slandered,
forgotten, neglected and even abused. Maybe we can’t bear children. A spouse is
unfaithful. God forbid, we are asked to pick up and move. Perhaps we are
betrayed—if not for thirty pieces of silver, at least with a kiss. And not to
mention our own sin—against others and God—time and time again. “All things” is
a lot of things.
Regardless
of what may happen, we must be convinced, deep within, that God is intimately
aware and involved in all of it. Paul declared that “in all things God works
for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his
purpose.” We have but two choices here—to trust or to doubt. To trust brings
peace, a transcending peace that guards our hearts and minds. To doubt brings
the opposite—anxiousness, temptation to take matters into our own hands, sin.
At
our weakest and most vulnerable times, when our very lives or future or family
or well-being depends on the actions and attitudes of other men or simply on
uncontrollable events, we must trust in the goodness and presence of God. He is
the unseen, benevolent, and omnipotent Father, upholding, guiding, bending,
orchestrating all things. What may appear to be chaos and misfortune to us is
truly a harmony of purpose in a symphony of circumstance to God.
What a great impactful comment. Being in sales I can easily become focused more on work then God. Theres times when it can become so easy to betray Jesus for a sale. Thank you
ReplyDeletethank you, henry, for this beautifully put description of Romans 8....a well known Scripture....but how difficult to actually live and believe this...getting ready for surgery tomorrow...this was perfect to read....I pray that British Columbia is a good home for you and you are well and loved.
ReplyDeleteIt is so important to have these kind of reminders. Especially God's promises. Thank you for this one and many others that you post. Always refreshing to my soul
ReplyDeleteThis is a great post! Thanks so much for sharing it with us all!
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful reminder of truth. It often doesn't look true, but it certainly is. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteToday I opened again my heart for showing god my hurts and struggles (this I completely have often have fogotten to do in the past) - a very wonderful situation to feel intimate, vulnerable and at the same time protected - god is the best lover and husband. katharina
ReplyDeleteAmen Tom. Thank you for these words of insight Henry, truly "everything happens for the good..." it is hard to believe sometimes. I heard yesterday that my cousins tumors in her brain has spread and she is in Brigham and Woman's in Boston. Please pray for Debbie, Tom. Thanks. Dianne
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