Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Romans 8:28-39 (NIV)
28 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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
What confidence does verse 28 give you about events that occur in your life?
Eternal Father, I remember the day, many years ago. when I was walking in the shop on my last day of work to say goodbye to employees. One stopped me to tell me that God told her to say: “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”. It was before I recognized that verse. She didn’t know where that verse came from but just that You laid it on her heart to give it to me. That gave me the confidence to start my new job knowing that You were there with me. From then on, I had that verse framed and in my office to remind me that You already knew the challenges that I was facing and were there working on them for my good. But when a new company took over, things were not good. I was stressed and stretched and dealing with personal issues all at the same time. But I kept praying and reciting Romans 8:28 believing it was going to get better. It didn’t. I lost my dad and I lost my job. I wondered where You were. But You never left me. You blessed me with my current job. I was scared and went kicking and screaming, but it was a less stressful job, I am well regarded and has provided for our needs as a family. I could never have sustained the 24×7 pace that I was on and it was hurting me and my relationship with you and my family. You continue to take situations that can be painful and bless me or others through them. Thank You, Lord. I recognize Your hand in my life and I have confidence that nothing or no one can separate me from Your love. If You are for me, who can be against me? You are greater. Allow me to remember this when I look at society today. Replace my fears with confidence in You. As you have in the past, direct my path to make a difference and to show Your love where I am, even in turbulent times. I trust that in all things You work for the good of those who love You, who have been called according to Your purpose. Use me for Your Glory. Amen