God Makes Everything Good
For Meditation
In Romans 8:18–27, we reflected on the “groaning” of creation. We find ourselves, along with all creation, stuck in bondage to decay, and our hearts long for things to be made right. Sometimes life is so confusing and so full of "hebel" that we do not even know what we ought to pray for (8:26). It is indeed true, that when it comes to life in this world, there is so much we do not know.
And yet Paul begins verse 28 with “And we know.” Yes, there is so much we don't know, but there is also so much we do know! And what we know makes all the difference. “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.” This verse has brought so much comfort to so many saints over the years, because it affirms that despite the confusion and confused state of our lives, we may trust that God is working his good purposes out for us and for creation, moving everything towards its culmination in Christ.
As you prepare for worship this week, consider an aspect of your life where there is a lot you don't know or understand. Then take a few minutes to reflect on verse 28. How does it change your attitude to believe that there is nothing that can separate you from God's good purpose fo your life, and that even the worst things he weaves into his good and sovereign plan? Rest for a few moments in that truth.
Romans 8:26–30
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
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.