Romans 8:28

Yesterday as I was heading to work I arrived at my bus stop at my normal time to connect with my first bus. As I boarded; the driver let me know that the stop I normally wait at is now no longer a stop on the route. That the new stop is further down & almost a quarter of a mile from where I live.

At first there was the usual annoyance that at 5 am with it being pitch dark, on the busiest strip of road; I would need to walk that far just to connect to one bus. But after assessing it the thought occurred to me that the walk would actually do me good. Plus Frank also walks me there so there really is no need to get my feathers in a bunch over it.

Circumstances like this also remind me that no matter what God walks with me also. (Deuteronomy 31:5, 6)So even in these day to day annoyances there are ways to be reminded that God holds authority & that things will work together for your good. In this case it's exercise. Plus I am still able to get to work with time to spare.

This is a small example but there are other instances like when people unintentionally or even intentionally hurt you. When we must forgive even when it's tough to do so. It maybe painful at first but through "walking it out" with God & a study of His Word there is always the good that comes from it. Examples are an increase in faith, personal character, wisdom & strength.

I have been through experiences where I've forgiven stuff that most would have problems forgiving. In fact firstly, forgiveness is something we all must do, because God requires we forgive in order to be forgiven. (Colossians 3:13; Matthew 6:14,15)

Secondly when you release the pain you no longer struggle with it. I consider the release act of forgiveness as taking it to the cross & nailing it there. In essence Let Go & Let God as the phrase says. Forgive as Jesus too has forgiven. In the end, it's all good.

These are examples of things in life that eventually work together for your good. Scriptural wise I can't help but think of the Apostle Paul as one of the better examples. In 2 Corinthians 12:10 Paul stated “For Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong”

Paul was someone who was put through quite a bit yet he rejoiced in all of the trials. As stated at Romans 5:3 Paul states "Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance"

Throughout his trials, he encouraged his fellow Christians to "hang in there". In fact, some of his more faith sustaining epistles were written during his prison periods. Philippians 4 being one of those. So if anyone is a great example of all things working together for the greater good, the Apostle Paul is. In the end, the Church grew and expanded with the introduction of the Gospel to the Gentiles.

One of my fave current contemporary hymns has a few lines that go:

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

~Jesus Culture~ (email readers click on name to listen to this song)

But it's the final line of this song that says it all:
"You make all things work together for my good"



When we trust God & know that He will get us through the patches we encounter in life or annoyances whichever it is..we learn that in the end something good will prevail. God's love is always there and never changes. In all situations God's name will be glorified in the end & in the end we are all better for it. You can take that one to the bank!