All Things

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Scripture: Romans 8:28-30 (NIV)

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. For those God foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.

Devotion:

Romans 8:28-30 stands as one of the most comforting and reassuring passages in the Bible, especially for those navigating life's uncertainties. These verses remind us that God is actively working in every circumstance for the good of those who love Him. The promise here is not that all things are good in themselves, but that God, in His sovereignty, weaves even the most difficult moments into a purposeful tapestry that leads to our ultimate good and His glory.

The phrase “called according to his purpose” emphasizes that our lives are not random or meaningless. God’s foreknowledge and predestination are not cold or impersonal, but rather deeply rooted in His love and wisdom. From eternity past, He knew us, loved us, and determined to shape us into the likeness of His Son, Jesus Christ. This process of being “conformed to the image of his Son” means that every joy, trial, and challenge is an opportunity for spiritual formation. God uses both blessings and hardships to chisel away what doesn’t resemble Christ, making us more like Him in character, compassion, and purpose.

Moreover, Paul outlines a beautiful chain of God’s actions: foreknown, predestined, called, justified, glorified. Each step is a reflection of God’s commitment to us. When we respond to His call, He justifies us—declares us righteous through faith in Jesus. But the story doesn’t end there. He also glorifies us, promising a future where we will fully reflect Christ’s glory and enjoy eternal fellowship with Him.

In moments of doubt or suffering, Romans 8:28-30 calls us to trust that God’s purpose is bigger than our present pain. We may not see the whole picture now, but we can rest assured that God is for us and He is working all things, even the things we do not understand, for our ultimate good. Let us then love Him wholeheartedly, surrender to His shaping work, and look forward with hope to the glory yet to be revealed.

Prayer:

            Lord, thank you for these words of comfort. Help us remember and take these words to heart. May we be willing to endure great suffering because we trust that you will bring beautiful things out of our suffering. May we trust in you who was able to bring about our salvation from the Cross of Jesus. Amen

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