According to God's Purpose

Chuckle: “A police officer saw a lady driving and knitting at the same time. After driving next to her for a while, he yelled, “Pull over!” “No!” she called back. “It’s a pair of socks!”

Quote: “There are those who suffer greatly, and yet, through the recognition that pain can be a thread in the pattern of God’s weaving, find the way to fundamental joy.” –Unknown Source

“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 NIV).

In cooperation with Liberty University, Kirk Cameron produced, and starred in, a powerful Bible based movie/visual journal entitled, “Unstoppable.” If you haven’t seen this, I recommend you do so. He seeks to answer the age-old questions, “why does a loving God allow bad things to happen to good people?” “Where is God in the midst of tragedy and suffering?” The ultimate thesis of this movie is that God has a purpose in everything that happens, and it is God’s purpose that is unstoppable.

Our text is perhaps the most quoted passage when trying to explain why God allows bad things to happen to us or those we love. These words reveal that God is involved in everything, not just in isolated incidents in our lives. Of course, we err if we interpret this as meaning that everything that happens to us will be good. No, Jesus Himself promised His followers that “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV). Here, Here, Jesus does not promise to eliminate problems and hardships but, rather to be with us to help us deal with them and to convince us that He is in control and has a purpose in everything that happens.

Even in our fallen world that is full of evil, God is able to turn each distressing circumstance into something that will contribute to our long term good. When we come to accept this truth in all circumstances, we will recognize that it is not God’s primary purpose to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose in our lives. He truly becomes our God when we become more interested in His purpose, than our own wellbeing. When we reach this level of discipleship, we will claim God’s promise “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

Please notice that the promise in our Romans text does not apply to everyone. You and I can claim this promise only if we love God and have been called by Him for His purpose – if we have become convinced by the Holy Spirit to receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. A major mark of discipleship is that we trust God in all circumstances to work in all things for our ultimate good. Our faith is strong and never wavers even when enduring pain, heartache, or persecution. We will take comfort from knowing God is with us.

In Summary, our sovereign God can work through all things to bring ultimate good to His people. He does not cause all things to happen, but as a righteous and faithful God, He does allow them to happen. He works through many tragic circumstances to bring blessings to His people. We may experience tragedy and suffering, but we should never lose faith or fall into despair.

Love, Jerry & Dotse