This is such
a hard verse for a lot of Christians to handle. Some use it flippantly—all things
work together for good—even in disease, disaster and death. Others just can’t
accept that “God causes all things….” Remember not to take words
or verses out of context! God does allow things to happen to us and He uses those
things to His glory. He really is not a mean ornery guy up in Heaven casting
bolts of bitterness, anger, wrath, as well as disease, disaster and death on
people down here on earth. He allows things to happen and then uses those
things for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose. He gives us choices
to make. This verse doesn’t say God makes things happen to everyone…it says God
causes all things to work together for good. This isn’t a promise to
everyone…but those who are called according to His purpose—Christians. God didn’t promise that nothing bad would
happen to anyone who believes in His Son, Jesus, as their savior. In fact Jesus
said that trouble will come because we do believe…Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely
say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Matthew 5:11. But He also
promised in Hebrews 13:5, as well as Deuteronomy 31:6, that He will never leave
us or forsake us. My favorite promise! Imagine always having Jesus with you. It is wonderful! I claim that promise
every day. I’ve also learned that to pray… “Be with us, Lord” is a faithless
prayer. He IS with us—that is what the “I
will never leave you or forsake you” promise is all about. Pray
specifically for your needs, wants, and intercessions—not for Jesus to “be”
with you. Know that He is there and is working good things for you and those
you love.
Training Tip – Take a doll, stuffed toy, or a picture of Jesus and
put a large rubber band on it and then fasten it to your arm. Tell your
children to pretend that the toy or picture is Jesus. Go about your day—playing
with them, working around your house…whatever you do, don’t take off “Jesus”.
Then later in the day show them that “Jesus” is still with you. He hasn’t left
you all day long. That is how it is for them, too…Jesus is always with them.
Read to them the promise of Hebrews 13:5. Also remind them that God loves them
and even when bad things happen, Jesus is still there and is working for good
things to happen to those He loves.
Lord Jesus, thank you for always being with us—for never
turning Your back on us. Help us to feel Your love and to share it with others,
especially when they are going through some bad times and having a hard time
accepting that You can work good through their sorrow and pain.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
No comments:
Post a Comment