Hello , Ever successfully worked together with anyone?
"Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed." Ecclesiastes 4:9, NLT.
Ever successfully worked with anyone?
If you have, you know the feeling of accomplishment. It's a good feeling. You may enjoy working together with the same person(s) on another project. The Bible has some things to say about teamwork. Ecclesiastes 4:9 is but one example. But, consider how the events in life team with God's overarching plan? We're never alone as a Christian. Our Lord is there for us. and with us. He will never forsake us, Hebrews 13:5. We always have the benefit of our Father's providence as we seek good things for His kingdom. We are working with God for our good!
Where does the Bible say we team with God?.
Consider Romans 8:28. Here's the verse: "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." So what does this mean? Let's list how these things work together. First, life may be a rich, enjoyable journey. Some are indeed blessed this way. However, rain falls on everyone. so, they experience trials just as anyone does. Second, things work together, not necessarily for riches or wealth, but so that one may grow closer to Jesus: Good and bad things happen in our lives so that we grow ever closer to Jesus.
Second, One's life may be rotten. I can imagine Christian women severely abused by their non-believing husbands. Life can be awful, even for a Saint. How does God use these circumstances for good? Consider 1 Peter 1:7: "These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world." If heaven is our goal, we keep our eyes on the praise and glory, and honor bestowed upon us in heaven. Those things can keep one going through many trials.
And last, There are those whose life is middle-of-the-road. They experience good and evil. Yet, the Father's plans for bringing everything together for good are in effect for these Saints, as well. First Peter 1:7 shows God making all Saints fit for heaven. Everyone goes through fiery trials, and if one holds fast to Jesus, these tests give us hope of heaven and perseverance through life.
So, what's the bottom line?
God doesn't abuse anyone, but He does use life's circumstances to turn out for our good. Evil events give more faith, trust in Jesus. So do good events, as one praises God for good things. But, look again at Romans 8:28, "And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."
Do we genuinely love God? That's a prerequisite. Are we called to salvation by the Bible? To be sure, the gospel calls anyone willing to hear. God does not select or choose particular individuals for salvation. The gospel is for all. But are we called to God's purposes, like, spreading the gospel, loving others, holiness, etc.?
If these are true for any Saint, then God causes everything, good or bad, to work together for one's good. The good means trusting Jesus even more. The bottom of the bottom line is that we grow more and more to Jesus, and that prepares us for heaven.
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. You see all men, many involved in heinous sins, a comparative few answer Your call. How sweet is Your salvation? How powerful You are to save anyone coming to Jesus in trust and obedience. We praise You, Father, for Your rich grace and love. May we bask in that love every day and prepare ourselves for our home in heaven. Blessed Father, we ask this in Jesus' name. Amen.
This message is from Garland Van Dyke at Bible Points!Matthews St. church of ChristPO Box 1522, Bay City, TX 774141915 Matthews Street, Bay City, TX 77414(979) 318-2463Contact me at [email protected]www.matthewsstreetchurchofchrist.com facebook.com/matthewsstreetchurchofchristWant your own copy of our devotional in your inbox? biblepoints.org/bible-points(It's twice weekly and we don't bombard you with stuff!)
