...running the course God sets before us, no matter the cost, no matter the task, to the end, for His glory
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Saturday, June 19, 2010


"And we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose." (NET Bible)

"That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good." (The Message)

Romans 8:28. One of the most repeated verses in Scripture. I believe this verse. I believe God uses all things that occur in our lives to some good or growth or ministry or maturing. Nothing is wasted with God. Nothing.

But sometimes, something happens that screams in your face, "No way, not this one. There cannot be anything good that comes out of this!"

What do I do when I see a road stretching out in front of me that looks like waste and destruction?

Do I believe it then?

Do I truly believe God will use this, will work this, will rework this, will not let this destruction only be destructive? Do I really believe this? Really?

Yes. I REALLY do.

Why?

"To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified." (Isaiah 61:3; NKJV)

"For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime; Weeping may last for the night, But a shout of joy comes in the morning." (Psalms 30:5; NASB)

"So I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten" (Joel 2:25; NKJV)

"He will deliver Israel from all the consequences of their sins." (Psalms 130:8; NET Bible)

I believe it because of WHO God is in His very nature. He is a God of Redemption. The whole of Scripture points to God redeeming his people, of Him bringing beauty out of ashes, of Him taking what was loss and making it gain. Without Him everything bad would just be bad, everything destructive would only destroy, everything failed would just be failure.

But...
"you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope." (I Thes. 4:13; NASB)

Hope. The answer. The reason. The foundation.

Not hope in myself or those around me. But hope in the Creator and Sustainer of the Universe.

"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see." (Heb. 11:1; NIV)

So today, when I do not see a way out, when I do not understand what has happened, when I ache for things to change, I look up. I wait. I hope. I believe.

God WILL bring beauty from ashes. He will guide us down this road to His desired end.

I believe.


Is. 51:10-12

Did you not dry up the sea, the waters of the great deep?

Did you not make a path through the depths of the sea,

so those delivered from bondage could cross over?

Those whom the Lord has ransomed will return;

they will enter Zion with a happy shout. Unending joy will

crown them, happiness and joy will overwhelm them;

grief and suffering will disappear.

“I, I am the one who consoles you. Why are you afraid of mortal

men, of mere human beings who are as short-lived as grass?

2 comments:

  1. Beautiful Susan...I loved it. I have always claimed Romans 8:28 as a personal mantra from God for my life. In the past few years, I've added this one that comforted me during my darkest moments. It's framed and hanging by my bed where I can look and remember God's promise.

    "For I know the plans I have for you," says the Lord. "They are plans for good, and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. When you pray, I will listen. I will be found by you," says the Lord."I will restore your fortunes. I will bring you home to your own land." Jeremiah 29:11-14

    The "future and a hope" was my clinging vine that I hung onto. On the "other side" now, I can say that God has given me back this and so much more...I feel blessed beyond words. Now, I realize that God gave me the understanding and compassion to help others in similar situations. While this is certainly not anything I would ever have asked for, He uses me still.

    You are a powerful writer sweet cousin...I love you and can't wait to see you in Colorado!

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  2. Thank you Karen- the Jeremiah verses are perfect as well. We serve a God of not just yesterday and today, but tomorrows as well. I can't wait to see you too!

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