Today's Word of Encouragement

ALL THINGS FOR OUR GOOD?

Saturday, April 04, 2020

I know most, if not all of us, are glued to the daily news wondering how bad the pandemic is going to get, how many people will become infected, how many will die, what the long term effects will be on the economy, and how long will the crisis last until life gets back to normal. Nancy and I were discussing the other day if life will ever get back to normal for a lot of people in this country.

The Apostle Paul wrote:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

It is, (and will be) difficult for a lot of people, even Christians, to accept the truth of Romans 8:28 in light of the Covid-19 pandemic, especially for those whose lives, jobs, resources, or joy and peace have been, are, or will be threatened. But the wonderful thing about God’s truth is that it is steadfast no matter the situation or circumstance.

All things are one word in the Greek, and refer to circumstances, events, and experiences, whether pleasing or painful.

Work together are also one word in the Greek, and refers to the ‘all things’ cooperating with each other, harmonizing together, or contributing to a desired outcome.

Good can mean ‘benefit’ or ‘wellbeing’. Here it refers to the ultimate benefit or wellbeing of the person. Paul does not have material benefit in mind, but the good of the soul rather than of the body. He is speaking from experience.

I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content: I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (Philippians 4:11-13).

To those who love the Lord Jesus Christ, even the negative effects of the Coronavirus pandemic can contribute to their benefit and wellbeing. You may ask ‘How’? If, in the course of this crisis we learn to better Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6), then we will have attained a greater understanding of how it is that God can work all things together for our good.

Pastor Martin