Tag: plan

A Greater Purpose

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us…
28 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. 29 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. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 
~Romans 8:18; 28-30

Have you ever thought that God may have a greater purpose for us than just making us happy?

I love the verse Romans 8:28: “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.” But if you look at the verses around it, a larger perspective seems to be given.

In verse 18 of Chapter 8, Paul writes that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Also, connected to the end of Romans 8:28 (regarding God working all things for our good) is verse 29, which states: “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.”

God wants to conform His children into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ! In this way, He receives the glory that He is due. And many times, He uses trials in our lives to make us more like Jesus.

Yes, God works out everything for our good, and He wants what is best for us. I believe this wholeheartedly! But sometimes He may accomplish His work in us through circumstances that we would not choose for ourselves. Circumstances that are difficult; uncomfortable; trying. But He knows what He is doing, and He knows that “our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (vs 18). He has a greater purpose!

This is often difficult to believe and accept. Truthfully, I am having a hard time wrestling with this truth right now. Over the past week, circumstances and situations have not been ideal. They have not turned out the way that I would have wanted. It seems as if my prayers are not being answered.

But I must believe that God knows what He is doing, and that He is working all of these difficult situations out for my good–and to make me more like Christ!

If you are struggling with difficult circumstances today and are feeling discouraged, do not lose heart! God does have a purpose, and He does have a plan. He does know what is best for us; and even though the path may be difficult and not what we would call ideal, in His great love for us He is working it all out for our good–both in this lifetime and for eternity!

autumn-path

Finding Peace in the Gracious Love of God

The past several days I have been feeling emotional, frazzled, and just plain overwhelmed. I hate feeling like this! Everything becomes a “big deal,” and each situation I encounter becomes a cause for worry.

I’m thankful for my husband, who pointed me back in the right direction. “What are some of the coping skills you learned for handling feelings like this, Honey?” he asked me. I told him that one coping skill I had learned was to do something that I enjoy and/or that relaxes me. He talked me through a list of possible activities, until we came to spending some time in God’s Word. He was right! That was just what I needed to do.

After some quiet lingering in a Bible devotional/workbook that I have been going through, You Are Loved: Embracing the Everlasting Love that God has for You, I felt much better. The devotional was guiding me through several Scripture passages that related to our capacity to be loved and used by God despite our imperfections. It prompted me to meditate on these truths as I answered the workbook’s questions. It was definitely an uplifting and rejuvenating experience!

I wanted to share some of the Scriptures that really spoke to my heart. Maybe they will touch you where you are at in your life’s journey, as well! 🙂

“But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” ~Romans 5:8

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” ~ Ephesians 3:17-19

“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.'” ~Matthew 11:28-30

“This High Priest of ours [Jesus Christ] understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” ~Hebrews 4:15-16

All of us as human beings are imperfect. However, God loves us in spite of this! He sent His Son to die for us while we were completely incapable of reaching Him on our own. Although we had nothing to offer Him, the Creator of the universe infused us with worth and loved us enough to look ahead to the person He is molding us to be. He has a purpose and a plan for each of His children, and He is waiting for us to take His hand and follow.

Will you walk with your loving heavenly Father today?