“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.”
Romans 8:28 (AMP)
I recall, as a young Christian, reading James 1:2 which says: “Consider it nothing but joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you fall into various trials.” I can clearly recall thoughts I would have, “Why does the Word say that? Trials aren’t a good thing,” or I would think, “I don’t want to encounter any trials.” I don’t think any person asks for trials, or “bad news” but, we have an adversary and his mission is to steal, kill and destroy (John 10:10). The Word reminds us in John 16:33b, “Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows; but cheer up, for I have overcome the world.”
Pastor Kuna shares with us about the “dividing line” in John 10:10, “A thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter, and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect — life in its fullness until you overflow!” The “but” in that scripture is a conjunction, the dividing line, that reminds us that the statement preceding “but” is overridden by the revelation of the statement that follows: “I (Jesus) have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect — life in its fullness until you overflow!”
Dear Friends, that’s such a powerful encouragement! We can count it all joy when various trials try to overtake us because we know that Jesus came to give us “everything in abundance, more than you expect – life in its fullness until you overflow!” And, “we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose” (Romans 8:28). The enemy is the one who brings the attacks, but GOD causes all things to work together in our favor! So, when trials arise be assured, that’s not the end because God is working all things together in your favor!
SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT
In the first chapter of Joshua, when God called him to lead the Israelites into the Promise Land, God clearly instructed him to: “Be strong and brave, for you will be a successful leader of my people; and they shall conquer all the land I promised to their ancestors” ( Joshua 1:6). When God gave Joshua that commission, He also gave him the answer to how he would accomplish it. “Constantly remind the people about these laws (the Word of God), and you yourself must think about them every day and every night so that you will be sure to obey all of them. For only then will you succeed. Yes, be bold and strong! Banish fear and doubt! For remember, the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:8-9 TLB)
Proverbs 1 also describes the Word of God: “Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life. Within these sayings will be found the revelation of wisdom and the impartation of spiritual understanding. Use them as keys to unlock the treasures of true knowledge” (Proverbs 1:1-2 TPT). We have the victory in Christ Jesus, we must be so saturated in the word that we have such an assurance of our victory; because of His love for us! (Rachel Wela)
TODAY’S DECLARATION
“I declare God’s Word and stand with confidence because I know that God loves me and is working all things in my favor.”
TODAY’S BIBLE READING
- Old Testament: Ruth 1; Psalms 92
- New Testament: Mark 8:31-38; 1 Corinthians 15:1-28
