We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
Many of us have heard people tell us Romans 8:28 to try and give us comfort through a difficult circumstance. Maybe it was after losing a job, or at the end of a relationship, or witnessing the illness of a loved one. Maybe some of you have memorized this verse and recite it to yourself when you are going through a struggle, a time of uncertainty, doing this in hopes of gaining better perspective (hopefully gaining God’s perspective).
As we seek God’s perspective in everything, we need to remind ourselves that God works for our good, not our comfort. God is going to use all things in our lives (whether big or small) to continue to mold us more into the image of His Son, Jesus. Because this is for our good, according to God’s plans. We can’t get in the trap of misunderstanding this promise from God as a means of changing our circumstances, to make our lives more comfortable. We can’t expect or demand a better job, a healthier relationship, or a complete healing. God uses the messy things, the confusing ways, the painful moments, and even that one difficult part in your life to mold you into the image of Jesus. So how do we become more like Jesus during these tough times? God promises that as we walk through those difficult times, He will use those circumstances to help us know Him more intimately, to obey Him more fully, and to transform our character to be more like Jesus. Let’s not forget that God is with us through the good and the bad times in our lives.
My hope for all of us through the difficulties and troubles of year 2020 is that we can embrace this promise from God and remember to walk closely with Jesus. Let’s remember to see Good through God’s perspective in every circumstance we face and know that in all things (pandemic, election, tucking your kids into bed every night, and your drive home during rush hour), God is molding and transforming us more and more into the image of Jesus. Some of us just require more molding than others (especially me).