Know that for those who love God all things work together for good. – Romans 8:28
“I beg your pardon, I never promised you a rose garden,” sang Lynn Anderson in the seventies. God could sing something similar. He might say that He gives thorns along with the roses. He did not promise that life would be easy. In fact, the Bible says, “Many are the afflictions of the righteous but the Lord delivers him out of them all” (Psalm 34:19). Scripture also says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4).
However, God does promise “roses” as well as thorns. He delivers His people from trouble. He answers prayer. He takes care of His people. Jesus taught about the Father’s care by saying that He feeds the birds and dresses the flowers beautifully, though they don’t work for it. He added that people are more valuable in His eyes. And as today’s verse says, He works everything out for the believer’s good.
Jesus also predicted that, in the last days, troubles will increase. However, believers have no need to fear. His mandate is still clear to love God and others and believe in the Lord Jesus. God’s people are to support and encourage each other. The apostle Paul wrote, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep” (Romans 12:15). Pray for Christians in this nation to reach out to those around them and become part of God’s answer.
Today’s Verse: Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Luke 12:22-31
22 And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. 23 For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! 25 And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? 26 If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! 29 And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. 30 For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. 31 Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
