And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Today I am sharing another one of my favorite verses, found in Romans 8:28. I find myself repeating this verse constantly in my head almost every day over the last few years.
I must say I went through a few things myself. From challenges to challenges, and I can humbly say that God always brought me through them all.
This verse has two parts. The first part that we all often quote says ‘All things work together for good.’ Oh! how I like this part! All things mean everything that you and I went through (going through or will be going through), every mistake, every disappointment, every shortcoming, everything that had brought tears, pains and shame to our lives, God will use them all for our good.
I like this verse because so often we think we are a lost cause. We look at our pasts and mistakes and believe that all is lost. We gathered all the labels the enemy threw at us and lost our identity in the process. It happened to me!
This verse reminds me that when I place my trust in God and truly love Him, He will turn what was meant to kill and destroy me into something beautiful and fruitful according to His purpose for my life. He will turn my ashes into beauty.
When I was about 15 years old, my mother came to the U.S., so my sister and I were left to live with some families; this was one of the most challenging periods in my life. I could remember the pains and the tears I cried from the mistreatment I received from many of them. I was disappointed and confused that I had to go through such harsh situations.
During that period in my life, all I had was God. I could not trust anyone around me. I must say these were the longest four years of my existence. During that time, it did not seem that things would get any better. But I could see how God’s hands were all around me looking back now.
God did not fail me! Hallelujah! God turned it! (singing in my head ‘He Turned It’ Tye Tribbett song)
God kept His promises and made all things worked for my good. God used my situation to transform me into who He knew He created me to be. God restored and renewed me. He taught me how to forgive and how to overcome it without bitterness.
Now, I am not saying that God caused it to happen? But I am saying that when you put your trust in Him, He will restore what you lost into a thousandfold.
What I love about God is that He will surely prepare a table in the enemies’ presence.
This verse helps me stay the course as it continually reminds me that my present circumstances are not my final destination. God already had it all figured out for His purpose for my life.
The second part of the verse, we often overlook, says, ‘To those who loved God and are called according to His purpose.’
That part of this verse is, in fact, the essential part. Why? Simply because things won’t work together for your good unless this happens. Something gotta give!
Maybe you might be asking just like I did: how do I know that I love God? Therefore, I included these verses for you:
- John 14:15
- 1 John 4:20
- 1 John 4:7-11
- 1 John 2:15
- 1 Corinthians 13:4-8
- Mark 12:30
To conclude, I like to remind you that God is a great God. He sees you and understands you. Put your trust in Him, and you shall see how He will turn what seems to be insignificant in your life into something amazing!
Don’t forget to comment below! I would love to know some of your favorite verses.