Do All Things Work for Good? – Part 2

The “greater good” is God's own glory. For those who love the Lord, we know that all things work together for His glory and for our good. God wants to bless. Our definition of blessing means that God will "keep us comfortable." Men live for the comfort of life and for the rush of emotion. However, God does not always allow us to be "emotionally" blessed. 

God orders the universe according to His Word, His "logos" in Greek. He does not order the world according to our "good feeling." God is Sovereign over all. His plan is different from ours. When disasters happen, unbelievers call these "acts of God." However, God allows these things according His own will. In the midst of trials, these are the days that try people's souls. Our reaction to life's difficulties will teach us what's really important.  If our comfort is important to us, then we will be confronted with the truth of God's calling: not my will but thine be done. Why do the innocent suffer?  He who did not spare His own son, how shall he not also freely give us all things. 

Romans 5:3-5 “We also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

Luke 17 is about a master who told his servant, first prepare my meal and then you can sit down and eat. The point of the story is that we have been called with an opportunity to serve in obedience to His command. As we're in His will, He will walk with us through the valley of the shadow of death. As Paul came to understand, "thy strength is made perfect in my weakness, thy grace is sufficient for me."  He came to the point of acceptance...  Thy will be done.  

Romans chapter 1 tells the story of the downfall and degradation of this world and the systems of the world. However, according to Romans 8:28, we'll be blessed in spite of the trials of this world. God will shake us to the core. The result will determine if our lives are founded upon the sand or if our foundation is upon the rock of ages, Jesus Christ himself.  

It's OK to grieve for those who have lost their lives. It's OK to suffer though the trials of life. However, God is still in control. The solution to the trials of life is Jesus Christ himself. He said, in this world you shall have tribulation. Be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  

May God richly bless you!

Your brother in Christ, Michael