GOD’S GOOD WORK

 

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.  For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren.  (Romans 8:28-29)

This is a precious truth that is promised—one we ought to know and have indelibly inscribed on our soul.  It is an established fact and unequivocal truth that can be known and believed.  All things—without exception—work together for good to God’s beloved child.  Paul does not say that all things are good—for there is both good and bad that we experience in life—but, the Apostle declares that all things are working together under God’s sovereign direction to bring about a good result. 

It is like trying to eat the ingredients of a chocolate cake individually—salt, baking powder, cocoa, sugar, flour, shortening, milk, eggs, and sugar.  Some would be good, but a lot would taste bad.  Stir them together, put them in the oven, and out comes something good!  That is what God is doing with the individual experiences we go through.  Are things mixed up?  Are you going through some bitter times?  Do you feel like the heat is on?  You are not done yet, but the results will be sweet!

Not every person experiences such good, sadly.  The promise is only to those who have heard the gracious wooing of a loving Savior and have responded by entering into a love relationship with Him.  This personal intimacy has a purposeful intention.  The God who knew us from eternity has predestined us for eternity.  God is shaping us into the image of Christ.  Everything that works is to this ultimate good end, and all for His glory!  God cannot lie.  He never makes a mistake.  What He says He will do is always done.  This is the fixed purpose of God.  All the demons of Hell—Satan included—cannot thwart Him.  No matter the rebellion of wicked men on earth, God moves all according to His providence.  Even our own depraved heart cannot prevent the Lord from accomplishing what He has planned for us.  The work God begins He always completes (see Phil.1:6).

Now, I am to live out in this world conduct that is suitable to such a noble calling.  Consider Paul’s prayer and let us make it our own:

For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy;  (Col.1:9-11)

It isn’t enough to say we love Him—we must show it.  God’s purpose expressed for me needs to be embraced by me.  This love relationship is an intimate one that enables me to increasingly know His will and walk in the same path He is traveling for I journey in fellowship with Him.  The One who will be pleased with the finished product of His good work, ought to be pleased with the fruitful produce of my good works.  This is abiding in Him—as Jesus described it in John 15—His very life flowing into me and powerfully giving me the stamina to continue my journey to its final destination, becoming just like Jesus!  This is God’s good work—and whatever comes today, He is working it for our good.  Bless His Holy Name!