You send an email to a friend updating her on everything going on at the moment. Your letter seems more like a list of crises than anything else. Then you go to sign it with “God is good” but you hesitate.

Can you honestly say that and mean it in the midst of your discouragement? You know in your head it’s true, but in your heart…in your heart, you’ve noticed a disconnect. You’re tired and struggling to believe that the trials in your life are in God’s control.

Are you there right now?

I know in recent weeks I have been. But I have the answer for you. If we spend anytime at all in the Bible, we are shown over and over again a God who cares and sacrifices for his children, his ultimate sacrifice being his Son. Jesus Christ is the greatest representation of God’s incomprehensible love.

Along with that, we see the evidence that God is good in his constant provision for his people. Like I said, we can know that in our heads, but sometimes when life gets hard, and I mean to the point where we think we just can’t take anymore, God is still right there in the midst of it all.

Since I was a child I have known that good comes out of everything. I can’t take credit for it. God instilled that in me for some reason I’ve yet to completely fathom, but I can tell you that I knew Romans 8:28 before I ever read it.

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

The longer I walk with God the more I grasp the truth of these words. We may not always understand the reason why we go through certain trials. We have to trust that God is working on our behalf to accomplish a greater purpose through our trials. A purpose that not only affects us but those around us a well.

Yet this is a truth that is hard to fathom at times. We skirt around it, fearful that it would mean accepting that God allows difficult things in our lives. So why would He do that if He loves us so much?

Let me tell you this, and please hear me. He does this BECAUSE he loves us so much. He wants us to grow and move closer to being more Christ-like, to realize our purpose in Him and to know Him. God is a redeemer. Not only of people but of circumstances. He may allow these times of trial in our lives (and I’m speaking of trials, not consequences), but I promise you GOD WASTES NOTHING AND REDEEMS EVERYTHING!

Can you believe that? Can you trust that He’s working in your circumstances even though you may not see Him there? Romans 8:28 says He works for the good of those who love him. That means He’s there working right now in whatever trial you are facing.

Are you ready to believe this TRUTH? Are you ready to turn control over this situation, OR EVEN YOUR LIFE, to him and trust he’s going to work it out (no matter what it is and every part of it) for YOUR GOOD?

Trust is the key and it’s a muscle we have to develop. Make this choice today and when doubts come in, say these words:

“I know God is working in my circumstances to bring good and resolution. I’m CHOOSING today to trust Him and leave the outcome completely in his hands. I BELIEVE God is working for my good.”

Say it as often as you need to. This is part of the process Romans 12:2 speaks of in transforming our minds to the likeness of Christ. We must actively give those thoughts that work against us to Christ and replace them with biblical truths.

Keep praying. Keep believing. And keep watching! God is about to do something amazing!

Praying and believing with you!
Dineen


In your journals, explore these Scriptures and questions:

1. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Heb. 11:1)  What does this verse mean to you? Are you certain that God’s unseen hand is still working in your life? (For extra study, read the book of Esther. Though God isn’t directly mentioned once, do you see his hand working in the circumstances surrounding Esther and the Jews?)

2. Think of a time that you felt alone, yet to look back, you can now see how God worked in the circumstances to bring resolution for your good. Write it down and date it. From now on, when you see God work like this, record it in your journal. When you have times of doubt, go back and read about these times.

3. “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.” (Isaiah 26:3) This verse clearly explains the benefit of trusting God and keeping our minds focused on Him. We will have peace. Look this verse up in other translations if you can, and write down the one you like best in your journal. Repeat it several times until you memorize it. Then when doubts assail you, fight back by repeating those words. And congratulations! You’ve already transformed your mind one more step closer to Christ.