(Rom 8:28 NIV) 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.
This morning we continue our series entitled, “Faith and Patience VOL III – Never Give Up!” by continuing with “The Big Picture.” Let’s get this week started off with a scripture that has brought me peace many times when I needed it the most. Please read this verse thoughtfully and carefully.
I have already shared with you some of the challenges Paul faced in seeking to fulfill his life’s assignment. While we all face challenges, most of us face nothing like the pain, suffering, and torture Paul endured. However, Paul amazingly kept from getting bitter along the way. I am sure Paul had his questions, I believe we all do, and one of the major questions people ask when faced with a hard challenge is: Lord, Why? Why is this happening to me? Why are you doing this to me? Why are you letting this happen? Why… why… why? There are many answers to the question of why and many of them are hard to swallow. Many times we are reaping what we have sown. Other times we are facing hard opposition from the enemy. But whatever the case, what we should never do is blame God for the bad we are facing.
Paul teaches us that instead of blaming God for whatever hard times we may be up against, we should look to Him for peace, encouragement, and hope. While the enemy may have brought the challenges against us, we serve a God who can work in our lives, in the midst of the challenges, and turn them around for our good. Let’s use Joseph as an example. God did not make Joseph’s brothers hate him and sell him as a slave, but God did favor Joseph at Potiphar’s house and bless him to learn how to administer a household for a senior leader in Egypt. The enemy was not happy with Joseph’s success and he moved through Potiphar’s wife to seduce him. Joseph stood his ground, walked in righteousness, and refused her seduction. While God was pleased with Joseph’s actions, the enemy brought up false charges of attempted rape and Joseph landed in federal prison. However, once again, God gave Joseph favor, he made the most of the situation, and he learned the ins-and-outs of the Egyptian government as he ran the federal institution. Joseph’s experiences in Potiphar’s house and the prison no-doubt help prepare him for his future position in the palace, where he basically ran the most prosperous nation in the world (at the time).
Did God do the bad things that happened to Joseph? No, but in the midst of those things God was able to work for Joseph’s good. God was able to take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for Joseph’s advantage. In the end, all the bad things that happened to Joseph actually wound up helping prepare him for his life’s assignment.
So what does this mean to you today? A few things:
1. Bad things do happen to good people.
2. God is not the author of the bad things, but He can work in and through them to help prepare you for your life’s assignment.
3. God knew it was coming. Has it ever occurred to you that nothing occurs to God? While you might have been surprised, God was not, and He made plans to bless you in spite of what happened.
4. No matter what you are facing, think of the big picture. In the end, this will all work out for your good. You may not be able to see it now, but you will be able to look bad and thank God. And if that is the case, why not thank Him in advance? Do it by faith!
Closing Confession: Father, I thank You for reminding me that all things work together for my good. I am covered by Your blood, filled with Your Spirit, and called according to Your purpose for my life. This reality helps me to see the big picture when faced with temporary challenges. I don’t allow the temporary to force me to lose focus of the eternal. I know You did not bring the bad things that happen in my life upon me. No matter what happens, I refuse to blame You and I refuse to quit. You can take what the enemy meant for evil and turn it around for my good. In the end, this will all help prepare me for my life’s assignment. If the enemy knew any better he would leave me alone. The more he messes with me, the better, stronger, and more convinced in Your goodness I get. I declare this by faith! In Jesus’ name. Amen!
This is Today’s Word! Apply it and Prosper!
