Everything....Really? Romans 8:28-29

           

                             Romans 8:28-29

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,  to those who are called according to His purpose.   For whom He foreknew,  He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son,  that He might be the first-born among many brethren."

We have heard this verse spoken over and over again with the understanding that God uses everything to work together for good for those who love God and have a personal relationship with His son Jesus Christ (which is one of God's purposes for us).   This is one of those verses for me,  that have become so familiar, that I can read it with out really grasping hold of all that it is saying.  I hate that.  I hate it when verses become so familiar that we just read right over them without even giving them a second thought.    It's like when you read a Psalm that has become a popular worship song and you can't read it without singing it in your mind!

This new understanding came to me while I was reading Elsye Fitzpatricks book... "Love to Eat, Hate to Eat".    I will do my best to relate to you my take on these verses and how it has changed my view of everyday living.

It's one thing to say that God uses all things in our lives for good....but do we really believe that God uses ALL THINGS FOR GOOD?    Everything....the good and bad....the big and small.....joyous and tragic....everything.    I have believed this since early in my Christian walk,  when I was taught this verse in a bible study I was apart of  with my church.   But to be honest....I must admit that I have never really thought any further about it....until recently.

I believe that God uses all things in our lives as "tools".    Tools that He uses just like a sculptor uses to create works of art with clay or other mold-able material.   Tools that will chisel away excess areas that are not needed in order to create something precious and beautiful by the Creator!     
Get the picture?

God doesn't only use these tools....but also uses water to keep the clay from turning too hard and cracked.    Prayer,  Bible reading or study,  fellowship and ministry/service are what I believe God uses to keep us pliable.   This is why it is so important for us to actively pursue God daily...to help keep ourselves pliable in His loving hands!   So that in this softened state...we are looking at our daily lives,  the good and bad....joyous and tragic through spiritual eyes.    

These verses give us such great HOPE....hope that God will accomplish the task of transforming us into the "image of His Son".    Because I really believe and have such hope...I am no longer asking "Why...God...why?"....but I'm saying "Don't let me miss You in this, God!" !!

To God Be The Glory....Great Things He Is Doing!

www.elysefitzpatrick.com