dennis j adams

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

Some days are just a mess of trouble and trials all mixed up to make you really challenge your faith. Then there are those days that it seems like God, Himself, fixed you breakfast and washed your car! Money in the bank, food in the cupboard and gas in car. Even your clothes fit just right, you know, not tight around the waist. Your feeling good, looking good, man, everything is just good!

Now in the stark reality of walking with the Lord you fight a “good” fight of faith! You wrestle against powers and principalities, wicked hosts in high places and your own flesh. I like to put it this way, what life brought on a certain day is not what you ordered in prayer! You cannot change it but you can have faith through it! You can have a good attitude and keep the right motives through trials and uncomfortable situations.

So lets break this down to a more tangible level of understanding. First of all, I live in this scripture reference more than I like to admit.  A little confession is good for the soul!

Have the knowledge that God will truly respond to His children who love Him with all their heart, souls, mind, and strength! Knowing this is more than half the battle, it is the whole, not the part, of the victory that will come after the battle is over. I like to choose my battles but sometimes they choose me. It may be my personality or my really liking to debate or be confrontational. One or the other I find myself often in a battle or two, maybe even three! But, I know, that in the end it will all work out for the good. I will learn something, gain more wisdom, and be prepared better the next time.  One thing for sure is that I will pray more and become deeply focused on His presence during a trail. The question, “Why is this happening?”, does not come up very often after many years of walking with the Lord and prayer. The question does come forth now though, “What are you trying to teach me? Can’t you just let me know through easier means?” The end result is always good because He has everything to do with the nurturing of my soul and heart. He is a great Father and I am so pleased to be adopted into His family (Romans 8:15).

The other remarkable reference to this scripture is having that defined moment in your life when you know that you are called to Him and His plan for your life. I have entertained many conversations where both men and women, were somewhat insecure about their call or even over confident about it! You know that you are called. It is as you know, that you are hungry or thirsty. There is no doubt in your calling. You run toward your calling not away from it! Like the deer that pants after the water brook so one that is called runs to God the Father. Ready to embrace Him and His promises (Psalm 42:1). You are assured of your call without any doubt or concern that you are not! His gifts and calling are irrevocable. (Romans 11:29) God knows what He is doing and who He calls as His own.

The last but certainly not the least or secondary to any part of this scripture is that it is according to the purpose God has for your life. By you fulfilling your purpose and destiny you bring glory to God and His plan for your life. Jesus even stated that He was to do the will of the Father and not His own. (John 8:28; Matthew 26:42) When this becomes who you are and not second hand, but first hand, then you will fight this fight of faith with great hope and confidence. All things will work out just fine! He will make sure of it! Trials will come and they will be horrendous at times even to the point of Elijah’s statement in 1 Kings 19:4! Just remember that it is God who works out all the details. Our position is to trust Him and pray. Always put feet to yours prayers, in other words just don’t pray and stay but pray and obey!

…having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18 ESV)

Dennis

All scripture used in this blog is from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.