"And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called accroding to his purpose." ( Romans 8:28 )
First of all, I would like us to look at the part, " who have been called according to His purpose." Many people may first think of what the Lord would have them do, what THIER purpose is, but is that what this says? In many places throughout the Bible, we hear about God's purpose. God has a purpose on this earth: to have his creation believe in Him and join Him in heaven. He wants His Word to be spread, for more and more believers to be born again. His purpose to see us in His Heavenly Kingdom. So, does that mean that we shouldn't do what we think God has called us to do? Does that mean that we should ONLY focus on His purpose? Well, actually - Yes. If we are called according to His purpose in spreading His Word and bringing lost souls unto Him, then we must use the our purpose towards that. What's the difference you ask? We have each been gifted with different things. Some people may feel that they are called to minister on the street, feed the homeless and cloth the poor. Some may be more led to become a youth pastor. Some may feel they belong in a Prison Ministry. Another may be a public school teacher, and another may be led to be a waitress. Not all of these callings are glamorous, but they are all ordained by God. He knows what our strengths and our weaknesses are and He wants us to use them for His Glory and His Kingdom. We must use our purpose to fulfill HIS purpose. If this is not clear enough, please feel free to leave a comment or email me, and I will be happy to talk further with you.
Now for the next part of this verse that I want to speak on. " And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him." How many know that the "good" may not always be the "want"? Another very important point.... "of those who love Him" God is a loving God and Father. He loves us unconditionally, but do we love Him? He is not going to work things for good for someone who does not love and follow Him. But for His children, He will move mountains. We may think that we need a new car, or a new job, or what have you, but that may not be God's plan and it may not be what's best for you. You can pray and pray for that new car, but if God knows that this would not be best, he will not give it. If you are in a situation, God knows the way out. When you don't know what to do, or even when you think that you do, pray it through. I say this because again, He knows whats best. If you want a new job, ask Him to show you if it's His will. If it IS His will, ask Him to lead you.
God has our own good in His heart. He wants only whats best for His children, much like an earthly father. He will not lead us astray, He will not lead us down the wrong path. Even when you have hit a bump in the road after praying on a situation and you know that you only moved in the direction that He said, this is for a reason. He continues to raise us, to strengthen us, to encourage us and to love us. If we would just trust in Him, the way He asks, we could be lifted atop the world!
