All Things
In 57 A.D. God authored a letter to a church in Rome by a missionary named Paul. Through part of this letter, God told His people that He works in all things for the good of His children. I wonder what “all things” meant for them then. Did they need to hear that promise? Did all things include sickness, broken relationships, poor choices, tragic deaths of loved ones, their own weaknesses, poor work environments, wayward children, earthquakes, or an anti-Christian government? Did God fulfill this promise to them? Does His promise still stand for us today in the midst of our “all things?”
I’m not sure what lows you are facing, but what I do know is that God promises to work in all things for the good of His children. I believe that God is still active and alive. Just like His promise to restore His children through the prophet Joel in His words in Joel 2:25, “I will restore the years the locusts have stolen.” His promise still remains for us. His promise to His children living in Rome way back when still remains for us. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
In John 16:33, Jesus said, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome it.” If you have experienced trouble in this past year, I pray that you are reminded of His promise that He will work something amazing out of your situation, that you will receive peace that surpasses all human understanding, that you will have the faith to see His goodness, and that you will be reminded of the fact that Jesus has overcome it and we will all one day soon be brought together forever in heaven. I also pray that we as a congregation will continue to advance Christ’s story of hope with love in the midst of a fallen world through all of our ministries.
May you be strong and courageous, may you not be discouraged or terrified. A new day is coming. The rains will stop. The clouds will move away. May you be instilled with hope as we celebrate Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem this Palm Sunday. May you be a light in this dark world as He lives in you.