“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28
This popular bible verse is referred to many times to explain that all the events in the life of a believer will work together for good if you love God and are working under His authority. It is a “catch all” phrase to validate the work of Christ. However, you cannot interpret this as a blank check to do as you please or maintain a lackadaisical attitude towards God!
The reference to “all things” relates to your personality, parental upbringing, the trials of life, your rebellion against God and sinful actions, and the power of God at work in your inner being. The goodness comes from the work of the Holy Spirit who intercedes for you according to the will of God.
There is also the issue of how God works through tragedies or terrible experiences to bring His goodness into your life.
God accomplishes this through His love; “Where sin abounds the grace of God abounds more.” Jesus is loving and compassionate and will overcome all sinful actions with His unending mercy and love.
Jesus looks at the tragedies of life and rules with justice and honor. He convicts wrong doers of sin, punishes those responsible in His perfect ways, offers forgives through His blood, and heals those who have been hurt. God uses a tragic situation to strengthen your faith and bring glory to His name.
The question is how do you love God and live according to His purpose. You love God by abandoning yourself to Him unconditionally and making Jesus the centerpiece of your life. You give your heart to God with an openness and genuine desire to live under His authority.
The challenge is understanding what it means to be called according to His purpose. Very simply, God wants you to live a life of faith trusting Jesus for your every need. God wants you to find your security in Him and never in the things of the world. You live in oneness with Jesus by yielding to the Holy Spirit.
You will find His purpose through prayer, dwelling in His Word, and listening for His voice. God’s ultimate purpose will never relate to works.
Jesus wants you to live in a passionate and intimate relationship with Him. The real purpose of a believer is to know Christ and identify with His suffering on the Cross.
The outcome of the life of a believer is to live with God forever. The journey is understanding your inner fallacy and lack of ability to please God. Then God can do great things through you!
Hal Hollister Ministry 