For the good
by Mark Gierus
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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).
Read Romans 8:26–30
We often speak fondly of the ‘good old days’ – when the cost of living was lower, and governments, social attitudes and ways of life seemed better. We might say things just aren’t the same today, and life truly was better back then.
But what makes the ‘good old days’ so good? Is it because we think things were easier in those days? Or have we forgotten that it is God who always works for the good of those who love him?
We are just like the Israelites who were brought out of Egypt – out of slavery – through the Red Sea, only to grumble about missing the lovely food they had left behind.
We often forget that when we consider the present and reflect on the past, the so-called good old days may only make up a small part of the picture. The Israelites had quickly forgotten the years of beatings as slaves in a foreign land, just as we can forget about the struggles of the good old days.
Perhaps we only call them the good old days because God was with us, as he is today, giving us the good things we need day by day, but, above all, calling us to be his beloved people. Sending his only Son, Jesus, God made us right with himself. In Jesus, we have been washed clean by his blood, so we have forgiveness of sins. We have life now and forever, showered in this life by the good things God has given us and the good things he has taught us by shaping us to be more like Jesus by his word.
God has called you and me according to his purpose in Jesus and equips us with all the good things in everything, so we can serve him as we serve others each day.
Dear God, in all things, you work for our good. Help us to love you as you first loved us and to give thanks for what you have done in our lives and what you are always doing. You are shaping us for your work and helping us to grow in you through the daily struggles and challenges, and in the joy we find in serving you. Amen.
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