And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
– Romans 8:28
Christians rattle off this Scripture, claiming its truth with fierce tenacity. But honestly, sometimes, I’d like to piece it together a little differently.
How about “And we know that God will bring only good . . .” instead of the “works all things together for the good” part?
I mean, God can skip the labor, and I can leap straight to having a good life without the portion that includes some less-than-desirable scenarios.
Unfortunately, I can’t pick and choose how God accomplishes His purposes. As much as I’d like to bypass the trying times of life, I am convinced God truly does work all things together for our good.
Not separately.
Not compartmentalized into neat little niches.
Not alone or apart.
But together.
Peace partnered with pain.
Joy peeking through the sorrow.
Hope in disappointment.
Beauty buried beneath the broken.
Purpose in what seems pointless.
God’s hand hovers, and counsel comes in our confusion.
Faith rises alongside doubts.
Courage bolsters us when fear threatens to paralyze us.
Good and bad work in tandem to make us strong.
Every moment, complete with blossoms and thorns, invites us to grow steadfast and secure in Jesus.
And always, God is near, working all things together.
The charge to trust in His goodness is issued where Father’s sovereignty bridges our reality.
Leaning on His faith when our faith wavers, we set our minds on things above and speak the truth that is noble, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. And we know His peace.
Even if our circumstances remain unchanged, a yielded heart does not.
So may we trust in together.
And choose to hope for what we as yet do not see, clinging to a love that knows no end.
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This post was written in conjunction with https://fiveminutefriday.com/2022/08/04/fmf-writing-prompt-link-up-together/ Teaming up with an online group of writers who encourage others to share the words God has given them. The gist is to write for five minutes on a one-word prompt, then post your writing and link up with others who do the same — no overthinking, no deep editing, just free-writing in a short amount of time.
So true, we can’t fully appreciate the blessings unless we have traversed the desert and walked through a valley or two.
God is like a Chinese meal,
all is a together-mess,
and I know He keeps it real
in this way, but I confess
that I’d rather He sort out
things to change, quite separate,
and though I’m not the one to pout,
sometimes it does kinda grate
that all things hafta work together,
depending one and all on Him,
while my heart and inner weather
holds that this is pretty grim
when He could wave His mighty hand,
not interfere with what I’ve planned.
Such a beautiful reminder of God’s sovereign rule and reign even in the trying times of life.
This is a beautiful post! We took the FMF prompt in a similar direction today.
Such a spot on message for me today. I love the photo also a theme in my life… Lion of Judah… we trust even when we don’t see 🙏
I loved the photo, too, Leisa. It helps me appreciate Father’s fierceness partnered with His tenderness toward us. Thanks for stopping by!
Absolutely right! We can’t get to pick and choose the ‘nice parts’ of life. We must accept everything together in order for grace to do its work within and through us!
Visiting you from FMF #33
Accepting everything “together” is still a growing process for me. I’m thankful my Father is patient and kind. 🙂