Timeless

Here is a link to last week’s study on Romans 8.

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (WEB)

Today we open with a very familiar verse. Many Christ followers think they believe it until something hard happens and they realize they doubt it.

Often, believers find it easier to share this verse with others who are hurting. When life is hard, can we know that God is aware?

Can we be certain that He has planned our lives with the best outcome in mind?

How can suffering work to bring good?

I was a believer who took a lot of time before I saw the truth in that verse. God is good; He has brought me through illness, fear, and loss.

Believers are at different stages of spiritual growth. We should never judge others.

Be available. Be quiet. Listen. The Spirit is working.

Lay your own doubt at the feet of Christ. Be humble and obedient before Him. Your faith will flourish as the Spirit teaches you trust.

This wonderful passage is a reminder of the spiritual benefits of faith in Christ. But it isn’t a quick fix for pain. As a matter of fact, look at verse 29.

For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Romans 8:29 (WEB)

This passage is reminding us that Jesus knows what it will take to conform us to look more like Himself. Our connection to Jesus is worth every painful step.

I think we should be more excited about the fact that God is doing something wonderful in our lives.

The maker of the universe wants to fashion something beautiful in you and me!

Jesus warned His disciples that this world would bring trouble. And it did. Look how the disciple Thomas finally began to be transformed. His faith began to take root long before the day he saw the wounds in Jesus’ hands and side.

Do you remember this conversation?

Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going. How can we know the way?” Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:5-6 (WEB)

After the resurrection of Jesus, it was eight days before Thomas found his full faith in the Savior. Read about it in John 20.

Because of the ministry of the Holy Spirit, all eleven disciples and many others that we read about in the book of Acts found Jesus sufficient for their spiritual journey.

With the Holy Spirit as their Helper, they were inspired to continue building the Church of Jesus, even amid persecution and death.

Do you see? Romans 8:28 is a wonderful reminder that our journey home is by the way of the cross, and that way may include suffering, but it will never include arbitrary, uncontrollable suffering caused by God. God is good. He loves us and sees us. Everything He does is for our benefit and for His glory.
Do you trust Him?

Share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7