Good out of bad

We know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to his purpose. Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers. And so those whom God set apart, he called; and those he called, he put right with himself, and he shared his glory with them.   (verses 28-30)

Read Romans 8:26-30

What do you do when things go painfully wrong in life, when you lose a job or when you make a decision that takes you from bad to worse, or when conflict arises with other people, even people in the church? A broken or difficult relationship, injury or illness, financial difficulty—these are just some of the things that can throw your life into turmoil. What do you do then?

When things go wrong, you might want to blame others and become bitter, or blame yourself and become depressed. You might even hold God accountable and become cynical and angry about church. One thing the Bible teaches about God is that he doesn’t waste even the worst things that happen in life. He wants to use them for good—for your good. He loves you. He desires your wellbeing in all things. He has the power to bring good out of bad in the lives of those who love him. Hold him to this promise if things go wrong. Wait patiently for his blessing. He will complete the good work he began in you when he first called you to himself.

Lead me on and work your good in my life, heavenly Father. ‘The distant path I do not ask to see; do thou but lead: I trust and follow thee.’ Amen.

by Simon Cooper, in ‘Renewed Hope for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2000)

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