Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
This may well be the greatest comfort verse in this confusing world. Doctor R.A. Torrey called it "a soft pillow for a tired heart". For many it has become a hard problem for our head.
The "good" promised by God is spiritual rather than material, eternal rather than temporal.
The all-loving, all-powerful God of heaven and earth has long-range plans for us, and they work together for our good.
Sometimes on the mount where the sun shines so bright,
God leads His dear Children along;
Sometimes in the valley in darkest of night,
God leads His dear children along.
Some through the waters, some through the flood,
Some through the fire, but all through the blood;
Some through great sorrow, but God gives a song,
In the night season and all the day long
George A. Young
Ephesians 2:4,5 BUT GOD, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved)
I was lost in sin, "but God". I was trapped in darkness, "but God!". I was separated from God and headed to Hell, "but God!". I was under the control of Satan, and I was a prisoner in my passions and lusts, "but God!". I was dead, deceived, depraved, and doomed, "but God!".
Because of the mercy and love of God my eternal destiny has been changed. I have been delivered from my wretched past, I have peace with Him, and I am secure in His salvation.
Has God changed your life? If not, ask Jesus to save you.
Peter, Andrew, James, and John would have caught their fish, raised their families, died and been forgotten if they had not followed Jesus when he called them at the sea shore that day.
The call of Jesus brings with it a powerful change. He takes us as we are, saves us by His grace, and puts us in His service. He would have us come to the place where He is more precious than anything else in our lives.
2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.
Jesus used these fisherman in powerful profound ways for His glory.
You might think The Lord can't use you as you are, and you may be right. But He makes you into what He wants you to become--usable.
Is Jesus calling you?
I remember in times of frustration how I would say, "Lord, I don't know what to do." Over time I learned those words, usually spoken after all else failed, brought victory.
When you give your baggage to God, circumstances (wrapped in His purpose for your life) change for the better.
You gain spiritual growth and spiritual growth strengthens your faith and your precious faith has you glorifying, honoring, and praising God for carrying you through the fire. And that is how Jesus wants to find you when He returns.
1 Peter 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:12-13 Wherefore, my beloved, . . . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.
Working out is not for keeping your salvation, but for working out of your will and into God's will.
Because of the death, resurrection, and ascension of Christ, the Holy Spirit is now available to help work desires of the flesh out of our life. The status may cause fear and trembling.
Working out is exploring biblical teaching concerning the nature of the Christian life.
Working out is allowing the mind of Christ to be in us, to conform us daily to His will.
Working out is willingly serving without murmuring and disputing.
Working out is done with a motive to glorify God.
God didn't save us to be defeated. Most of the time we are defeated because we refuse to walk in victory.
Joshua was commanded to lead the people of God into Canaan to claim the land that they had been promissed by The Lord.
Joshua 1:5 There shall not any man be able to stand before thee all the days of thy life: as I was with Moses, so I will be with thee: I will not fail thee nor forsake thee.
To have victory over the enemy and the presence and power of God, Joshua only had to trust.
The same promises God made to Joshua are still valid for us today. He still gives victory over our enemies. He is still ever-present and all-powerful. He is still faithful. He still keeps His promises.
We only have to trust God, study His Word, and surrender every area of our lives to His will.
Hebrews 11:1 Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
We don't have to stop praising God when Easter is over. He keeps living in our heart if we believe in Him.
You ask me how I know He lives--He lives within my heart.
Romans 8:11 But if the Sprit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.
One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door;
Then He arose, over death He had conquered;
Now is ascended, my Lord evermore.
Living, He loved me; Dying, He saved me
Buried, He carried my sins far away
Rising, He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, Oh glorious day.
J. Wilbur Chapman
