“For we know that in all God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.’ (Romans 8:28)

Sometimes we think that we “know” a verse, but then the Holy Spirit reveals to us that ours was only head knowledge not heart knowledge. Recently the Lord has been teaching me about “all things.”

I think it might be easy to assume the Lord’s “all things” couldn’t possibly be situations that seem evil, frustrate us or have dire consequences. Yet when I look at the verse, I see that the Holy Spirit causes good to spring forth from these circumstances if we love HIm, are called and walk in His will.

I believe it is really just a matter of perspective. In the natural it might appear that all the doors are closing, the situation is getting desperate or no solutions are evident. However, if you view it from the sense of “all things” then your whole paradigm shifts.

Recently I was there. I found myself in what I considered a totally unfair situation being forced to do something I hated. I must admit I let my fleshly nature have free reign for a short time, but then the Lord gently reminded me of “all things.” I knew I had a choice to make. I could either continue to wallow in my self-pity or I could allow the Lord to cause good in all things.

I am always amazed that when I follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit my whole attitude can change in an instant. Suddenly, instead of feeling despair, I was hopeful and excited. I saw that maybe the Lord had a far larger plan and that this situation could become something the Lord could use to spread His kingdom. My nearsightedness had hindered the whole realm of possibilities that the Lord could open.

I am so thankful that I serve a God who actively intervenes in my life. Thankfully I don’t have to be perfect, just willing to listen and follow His direction. I hope that the next time you find yourself in a place of having to choose between “all things” or being discouraged, you will allow the Lord to cause all things to work together for your good. 

“For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38-39)

What more could we ask?

Marianne