Romans 8:28 - "And we know for those that love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
Why is it that we often forget the last part of this verse? "For those who are called according to his purpose. " His purpose is often a mystery to me. We don't often understand nor know his purposes. In fact, I'd say it's almost impossible to really know his purpose. Then I read verses like this and then I think hmm.. maybe it is. "For who has understood the mind of the Lord as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." 1 Corinthians 2:16. So in this same verse it says that we can't instruct him because we have not understood his mind. Then immediately following it says that we have his mind. Interesting. And if I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, wouldn't I have his mind?
It also says in Corinthians "These things God has revealed to us through the spirit. For the spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the spirit of God. Now we have received not the sprit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual."
Going back to the most misinterpreted verse, or at least one of them in my opinion. God works all things together for GOOD for THOSE WHO ARE called according to HIS PURPOSE.
1. What is good? We know that the definition of good is "that which is morally right" or is the benefit or advantage to someone or something. I'm also learning in "The Truth Project" that God in his nature defines the essence of good.
2. For those who are called according to his purpose - Who are those people who are called according to his purpose? Christians? Or is it just all people? I think here it's saying that if you love God you must believe and trust that all things will go according to His plan and purpose. And by definition, God himself is the essence of Good. The object to be desired is God himself. So in all circumstances, God would be pointing you to himself and he is Good. The ultimate to be desired. "In all things."
So my point is that we as believers must believe at all costs the Goodness of God, the very core of his existence. God created the heavens and the earth and called it good. Therefore, the creator must be the source of all good things and He often just gives us himself. When we struggle with the things of this world, we are momentarily forgetting that God gives us comprehension through the Spirit, not through the world.
As believers we must remember this.
We must be loyal to him and his goodness and his promises at all costs and in all circumstances. Because if we remember this, it will be all good. It is impossible not to be good.
When our purposes and God's purposes align like they should be, the outcome is irrelevant.
Turn your eyes upon Jesus and look full in his wonderful face and the things of earth will grow strangely dim, in the light of his glory and grace.
Did you know that hymn written by Helen Lemmel was inspired by a missionary named Lilias Trotter who wrote:
Turn your soul's vision to Jesus, and look and look at Him
and a strange dimness will come over all that is apart from Him.
