The Future Glory
Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God who have been called according to His purpose.” – Romans 8:28 (NKJV)
God works out all things, not just isolated incidents, for our good. This doesn’t mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn it around for our long-range good. Two things to note:
- God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose.
- The promise is not for everyone. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are fitting into His plan.
Those who are ‘called ’ are those the Holy Spirit convinces and enables to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective and a new mindset on life. They trust in God, not life’s treasures; they look to their security in heaven, not on earth; they learn to accept, not resent, pain and persecution because they know God is with them.
We will have to take a step of faith to activate the promise we’ve been given. The better we know God, the more we trust Him. And the more we trust Him, the more we are able to surrender to Him and understand the journey of obedience.
According to Romans 8, specifically verse 28, we are able to surrender more and more of our lives (the outward manifestations of our actions and desires) and more of our hearts (where our desires and motivations are behind our actions). Oftentimes, our surrender will require an act of obedience. Sometimes, it’s more inward, like surrendering our control over our lives. We make a choice, we give it to God, and then our actions and choices thereafter reflect this power of choice. But sometimes God wants us to move in a particular way, especially when it comes to strongholds in our lives where we have to surrender a thing, a dream, or even a person. Remember, anything that holds more importance in our lives than God is an idol.
When we surrender our lives completely to God, trusting Him and walking in obedience according to His Word, there will be a great transformation and a mighty move of the Holy Spirit.
Prayer
Father in heaven, we love You. Forgive us of any known or unknown sins we have committed. Cleanse us from all unrighteousness, create in us a clean heart, and renew a right spirit in us as we surrender our lives over to You and walk in obedience, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Psalm 34:8; Luke 9:23
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 7:21-27; Luke 3:23-38; Luke 4:1-13; Numbers 11:4-35; Numbers 12; Numbers 13:1-25
