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.”
Romans 8:28
In my small group we’ve been taking time to meditate on a certain section of God’s Word and apply it to our lives. We’ve been praying these verses over our own and each other’s lives, taking time to really think about what it means practically. The first verse we looked at was Romans 8:28. It’s a well-known verse and one we often use as a platitude. However, it got me thinking, how much do we truly believe and stand on this verse when the growing gets tough?
Many people may be wondering how on earth God can turn a global pandemic around for good. How can financial difficulties, job losses, isolation, anxiety, and health issues be worked for good? What does it mean for God to work these things for the good of those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose?
“But now the tables were turned”
Esther 9:1
There have been moments in my life where I’ve asked similar questions. Times when I have questioned how on earth God is going to pull through in this situation. How would God provide in that emergency financial situation that was getting close to the wire? How could He turn around that challenging situation I just couldn’t see an answer to? How is He going to answer that prayer I have been diligently praying for many years and not seeing an answer to?
This was the case for so many people in the Bible: Daniel in the lion’s den (Daniel 6), Joseph falsely accused and thrown in prison (Genesis 39), the Jews in Susa facing the edict to wipe them out (Esther 4) to name but a few. In each of these situations God turned the tables in remarkable ways and in His own perfect timing. I’m sure things must have seemed pretty dark for each of them and they likely had no idea how God was going to come through for them. Yet He did. Against all odds, God shut the mouths of the lions. He took Joseph from slave and prisoner to second in command of the whole land. He overturned an irrevocable Persian law, turning the Jews’ mourning, fasting, weeping and wailing into happiness, joy, gladness, and honour. God didn’t just bring them out of the dark situation, He turned it around for their good in ways above and beyond anything they could have asked for or imagined.
Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us…
Ephesians 3:20
The more I read the Bible and the more I reflect back on experiences in my own life the more I am convinced that there is no situation God cannot turn around for good. Quite often the method and timing will not be what we expect or even what we may have asked for, but we can choose to trust that God is in control and will do what He has said He will. And as we wait, we can hold onto God’s promises in His Word…
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
The Lord is good, a refuge in times of trouble. He cares for those who trust in him.
Nahum 1:7
When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
Isaiah 43:2
The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Deuteronomy 31:8