Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-30
“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)
In his book “All Things For Good”, the puritan Thomas Watson stitches together the promises of God throughout all of scripture to expound the divine truth of Romans 8:28. What does it mean that all things work together for good? Today, consider how God’s power works for our good.
God’s power works for good in supporting us in trouble. Deuteronomy 33:27 applies to all of us. “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms”. God’s arms are always sustaining us no matter what happens. What keeps God’s people following Him in times of trial? it is only God’s power! Take Daniel, who endured the lion’s den or Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego that endured being burnt inside a furnace, or all of Christ’s disciples that were martyred one by one. As Paul says, “My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9), so we must rely on and trust in the one who gives us strength.
God’s power is capable of providing what we need at the right time. As God gives food for the birds and clothes the lilies in glory, so God is faithful in caring for our needs (see Matthew 6:25-34). Take the story of the Zarephath widow. She collected her last batch of flour and oil to eat with her child before she ran out of food and prepared to starve to death. Then, the prophet Elijah shows up and asks for her last meal to be prepared for him. In faith, she trusted in God’s way and from that day, God provided flour and oil in her jars so that it was never empty. God will provide; we must trust in His power to do so.
The power of God overcomes our sins. Micah 7:19-20 says, “He will again have compassion on us; he will tread our iniquities underfoot. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea. You will show faithfulness to Jacob and steadfast love to Abraham, as you have sworn to our fathers from the days of old”. How often do we find ourselves overcome by our corruption? God’s power tramples sin underfoot. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
The power of God conquers our enemy. Christ has conquered evil and death on the cross. Evil and death have no reign over those who are in Christ. Like it prophesied in Psalm 2:9, “You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel”, so Christ has won the ultimate victory against our adversary. “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:55-57). Christ has won, and He is preparing His church to be wedded to Him on the day of His return.
Let us rejoice as Israel is called to rejoice in Deuteronomy 33:29, “Happy are you, O Israel! Who is like you, a people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help, and the sword of your triumph! Your enemies shall come fawning to you, and you shall tread upon their backs.”
Lord, thank You that You are with us and You never leave us. Thank You for Your faithfulness even when we are unfaithful. Forgive us because we do not trust in You. Help us to cling to You alone and Your promises in Your Word. To You be all the glory. In Jesus’ name, amen.
