As I prayed this evening, I found myself arranging some paperwork on the dining room table. Among the papers I found this promise from God: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
For various reasons, I have taught Landon (and attempting to teach Logan) to spell the following scripture reference. I have heard him say it out loud, but this was the first time I had seen it written. Upon puling the paper out from the stack, I was reminded that God has a purpose for you and me. Whatever we are facing, His promise is still relevant.
"All things," reminds me that God is in the details. Nothing is a surprise to Him: what we say, think, do or ignore to do, God knows all. Of these things, God knows what will happen. Within knowing this, there is grace. Due to my human nature, I am going to make mistakes or poor decisions from time to time.
The gift of grace, according to God's plan, covers you and me. “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me," it states in 2 Corinthians 12:9. As we trust and follow Jesus, it is His grace that washing away our sins - past, present and future. All these things we face: good, bad, tough, painstaking, whatever they may be have a purpose.
That purpose is to make you and me look more like Christ. As we experience all these things in our time, He is using all the experiences to chip away anything that does not look like Jesus.
Thank you, Jesus, for reminding me tonight that those who follow you, who love God are experiencing many things that He will use to further His Kingdom and will ultimately make His name known greater among the nations.
Blessings.
