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. – Romans 8:28 (NASB)
How could you not appreciate the encouragement emanating from that little gem, eh?
God causes some things to work together for good? No!
How about a lot of things to work for good? NO!
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to His purpose.” That’s us, right?!?
Yes, it’s all true (if God’s word is true at all), but perhaps we should define exactly what “good” God is busy causing all things to work together for. Fortunately (though at first glance, perhaps disappointingly), Paul clarifies that in the very next verse.
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren; – Romans 8:29 (NASB)
So what’s the answer? What “good” is God causing all things to work together for?
“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. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become…”
- Rich?
- Happy?
- Cool?
- Successful?
- Healthy?
- Famous?
- Sexy?
- Well-educated?
- Admired?
- Honored?
- Comfortable?
- None of the above.
God’s el numero uno goal for you and me is this: for us to become conformed to the image of His Son.
That means He earnestly desires for you to surrender your future to Him.
Do you know why? Is it because He doesn’t care about your health or your feelings or your needs or (gulp) your image? Is it because He has no concern for your family background, your career goals or your relationship status?
Not exactly, but more than all those other concerns, our Heavenly Father wants to share a relationship with you that rivals the one He shares with His beloved Son in whom He is well pleased. He always intended Jesus to “be the firstborn among many.” That’s us! As Henry Blackaby and Claude King put it in Experiencing God, “In Jesus you have a picture of a solitary life in a love relationship with God, consistently living out that relationship.”
Wouldn’t you die to get along with our Heavenly Father the way Jesus did? That’s why Jesus died.
And even better, He didn’t just die, but He lives, inside of us no less! As Blackaby & King continue, “The Christ who lived His life in complete obedience [to God’s will] is fully present in you to enable you to know and do His will.”
That’s why I’m cheering you on to surrender your future to God. Let go of your way and let God have His way, in every way, every day. (Cheer for me too, will you?)
[Want more encouragement to surrender your future to God? This is an excerpt of the 3rd book in our discipleship series: Beyond Sex & Salvation. So seriously consider purchasing a digital copy and you will learn three key life disciplines for relational success; habits best best forged BEFORE you fall in love. Even before you date! Find out more or purchase the book at this link.]DNA: It’s What’s For Dating
Dug this weekend’s DNA? Be a good friend and share with your friends on the social media platform of choice: Instagram, Youtube, Facebook, or Twitter.
The LoveEd discipleship series, Beyond Sex & Salvation, will empower you to prepare for relational success when it counts: BEFORE you fall in love!
It’s NOT for couples, but for any wise individual who thinks they might want to get married sometime before they die. And would like to learn how to better build healthy relationships in the meantime.
Check out all three study guides in our store. You can walk through them on your own, but it’s more fun with friends (that and it kinda makes sense to grow in relational success in actual relationships with others), so consider putting together an FMU LoveEd small group study.
Even better? And ask a rock star married couple you respect to lead it!