Do You Really Believe?

Scripture Reading - Rom. 8:28 "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. "

One thing that I greatly enjoy doing at times is cooking. I don't like to do it all the time, but sometimes I just get into the mood and go at it. I was thinking about how, if you tasted each individual ingredient for a dish, sometimes they would not taste very good by themselves, but, when you put them together, you end up with a really good tasting item. I was in a group bible study yesterday when the a question was raised by a brother-in-Christ. He asked, "Do you really believe that all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose?" As I pondered over the question, my thought processes went something like this, first of all, I am very familiar with the scripture he was referring to. For years I carried a little card that had Rom. 8:28 written on it. It was a gift from a friend of mine, one of the three best men I have ever known on the face of the earth. I knew the answer from the Word of God and that answer was definitely, yes, God works all things together for my good. Secondly, I also considered if my life reflected the fact that I believed Rom. 8:28. If I indeed believed today's scripture reading, certain things would be evident. I would have peace in any circumstance. I would know that God was in control not me. My life would be absent from worry and I would not be stressed. My confidence would be in God and in His Word. After careful consideration, I answered my friend. I answered, Yes, I do believe all things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.

My great-uncle Bill Talbert, who since has went on to be with the Lord, was a man of great wisdom in the Lord and he told me one time, "There will be nothing that will come up in your life that first does not pass by the mind of God." It brings me great comfort knowing that if what I think is a bad, terrible thing, God has thought and allowed this thing in my life. He believes that I am strong enough in Him to handle it. He intends things to bring glory and honor to Him in order that all men might be saved. If you are facing a true giant in your life follow the Words of Christ found in John 16:33 "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer ; I have overcome the world."
Jesus tell us we will have tribulation in this world, but take heart, he has overcome this world. Place your trust in Him, realize that with Christ, all things will work out for good, use the giant you are facing to draw closer to Him, and finally let the peace of God, which passes all understanding flood into your heart.

Be Blessed and Live in the NOW!!!