And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
This is one of my favorite bible verses, particularly, when my faith is being challenged by struggle or hardship. It reminds me that whatever issue I’m facing will benefit me in some way. It helps me embrace the struggle as an opportunity to grow in my walk with the Lord.
But there’s something significant about this verse that I have to keep in mind at all times. That is the “love” factor. It says that all things will work together for good for those that love God.
So I have to take a step back from this verse to see if I even qualify as a recipient of the promise of this verse.
Do I love God?
Well… love in this verse is not emotionalism. It’s not the fluffy feelings l get when I think about the goodness of God.
This love means actively doing what the Lord says. It’s embracing God’s will (choosing His choices) and obeying them through His power.
So now as I consider this verse, I must ask myself “Am I obeying God?” “Am I embracing God’s will?”
Can I expect all things to work for my good if I’m not obeying God and embracing His will?
Look what Jesus says in John 14:15.
“If you love Me, obey My commandments.“
Jesus lets us know that there is definitive, recognizable evidence of our love for Him.
He didn’t say that the evidence is our church attendance, our praise for Him or our testimonies about Him. He didn’t say it was how much money we put in the collection plate or how loud we shout on Sundays. (although you may have heard this on any given Sunday. “If you love the Lord, stand to your feet…. clap your hands. Or whatever physical expression of love you’re encouraged to do)
Jesus says if we love Him we will obey His commandments.
So now as I consider Romans 8:28, I understand that God will cause everything to work together for my good as a direct result of my obedience to Him.
If God causes things to work together for my good when I’m obedient, He can very much cause them to work against me when I’m disobedient.
*Tressa Jo
BeyondSeeLevel 