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For His Purpose And Your Good

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 

Some of the most misunderstood words in the Bible are these: "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son" (Romans 8:28-29). Notice, it doesn’t say, ‘God causes everything to work out the way we want it to.’ There are many unhappy endings. Only in heaven is everything done God’s way! Notice the words: 1) ‘To work together.’ Just as it takes many ingredients, including some not-so-nice tasting ones, to make a cake, it takes different experiences to make us like Christ 2) ‘For the good.’ Much that happens in our lives seems bad at the time, but as we trust Him, God brings good out of it 3) ‘Of those who love God.’ All things don’t work for good unless you love God and walk in obedience to Him 4) ‘And are called according to His purpose.’ What’s God’s ultimate purpose for you? To ‘become like His Son.’ We’re like jewels being shaped by the hammer of experience. If a jeweler’s hammer isn’t strong enough to chip off your rough edges, God will use a sledgehammer. And if you’re stubborn, He’ll use a pneumatic drill. He’ll use whatever it takes! That’s why James wrote: "under pressure, your faith-life is forced into the open and shows its true colors" (James 1:3).

Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me work toward your purpose and for your good and Kingdom, not mine. In Jesus’ Name, Amen