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The promise of Romans 8:28 serves as a lens through which you and I can have a godly perspective on life, from birth to death:
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.”
Because of these words in Romans, you can know that our good God is working the miracle of using the bad—everything, from the most minor of incidents to the greatest of tragedies—for good. We can counting on the fact that the end of all things will be good, and that gives us hope. It can also help us to be faith-oriented—not feeling-oriented—about our present pain.
Feelings distort our vision. And today’s obstacles often prevent a hopeful and faith-filled view of the end. But by responding to God’s love, and by loving Him with all your mind and trusting in Him, you will be blessed with hope in His promise that He works in everything to bring about what is good.
The words “to those who love God” are important because the promise of Romans 8:28 is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God. How do we show God our love for Him? Christ answered this question in just seven words: “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15). Another version of the Bible succinctly says, “If you love me, obey me.”
It’s obvious that our love for God is measured by our obedience. So take a few minutes—now and regularly—to look at your life and evaluate how closely you are loving and following God. When I do this, I take a pen and paper and run a check of the elements of my entire life. I ask myself, “Is there anything wrong in my relationship with God?” and I write down my answer.
I then ask the same question regarding my husband, my children, my parents, my in-laws, my siblings, my home, my spiritual and personal growth, my areas of service to the Lord, and my relationships with other people. I write down whatever comes to my mind and then have a time of prayer. I spend time asking God’s forgiveness for where I have been unloving, disobedient, or unfaithful. As 1 John 1:9 tells us, whenever we confess our sins, our good God “is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
Take some time each day to mentally examine the priority areas of your life. Evaluate your relationship with God and with your family members, how things are at home, your spiritual growth, the challenges you face as you serve God, the demands of the workplace, and your involvement with people. Look for areas where you have not loved God and others well, and where you have not obeyed God and His Word. Then purpose to give God greater devotion and obedience…to love Him.
Lord, thank you for loving me and forgiving my sins and shortcomings. Help me to grow in You through trials, and through honestly examining my heart and life. Amen.
This "Who I Am at Home" printable is a beautiful reminder to show God’s love to others in your home. Purchase for download here.
What obstacles in life are serving as a reminder of your need for Christ and His love?
Look for areas where you have not obeyed God and His Word. Purpose to give God greater devotion, obedience, and love.
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Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
Jim and Elizabeth George are bestselling authors and national speakers dedicated to helping people live a life after God’s own heart. Together, they have written over 150 books with more than 14 million copies sold around the world. For over 35 years, the teachings and steadfast example of Elizabeth and Jim have helped countless men and women:
How did men and women in the Bible accomplish great things for God? There wasn’t any secret formula or bestselling book on success for them. In fact, they were ordinary people like you and me. What made them effective was their willingness to obey God—one decision at a time.
Flanagan Margie
September 19, 2023
I am finding myself in the midst of a rather strange journey, my husband has battled cancer for 4 years now and only has weeks. I am questioning myself in situation I encounter a few days back and the story of life goes on. I asked God to show his forgiveness for my part in the situation from a few days back. Today’s scripture was the answer I was looking for. I am blessed and thankful for you and your faithfulness to God to allow him to speak through you🙏💗