Two-minute read.
For the past week or so, I’ve made a new breakfast. Taking rolled oats, a little brown sugar, some blueberries, and a splash of milk, I mimic my friend Claire’s infamous Blueberry Oatmeal Delight. She cooks hers in a crockpot overnight, and it has a few more ingredients. The overnight mixture receives high praise every time we put it on the menu for one of our women’s breakfasts. Taking ingredients that taste ok on their own, mixing them in just the right amounts, and baking them makes something good out of something so-so.
In life, God takes everything that happens to us and works it for the good of those who believe and trust in Him. The bad moments that take our breath away can become reasons to praise the Lord.
When I unexpectedly lost my position at church, it devastated me. Pouring my heart and soul into my ministry, I felt angry and betrayed. But when I turned to the Lord and let Him lead me through the valley, He took that brokenness and made something good. Now, I’m grateful God pulled me out of that situation and changed my path. Looking back, I can see His hand in removing me from an unhealthy environment and leading me to a healthy one.
Paul’s words to the Romans emphasized “good,” referring to spiritual transformation rather than comfort. Through my job loss, God transformed me, drawing me closer to Him and maturing my faith. When my nephew died, one of the darkest days of my life, the Lord showed up for me, carrying me through that day and showing me a grace I would never have known any other way. Jesus told us we would have struggles in this world, but to take heart, because He overcame them. The longer I follow the Savior, the more I realize the truth of His words.
Paul doesn’t call everything good. Evil remains evil, and suffering causes genuine pain. However, God’s sovereignty can weave even painful events into His greater plan for His people. Those who love the Lord and have a relationship with Him will find hope in their darkest days.
The Lord can take our hardest chapters and use them to shape us into the image of Christ, accomplishing His eternal purposes, working all things to the good.
Journal Questions:
- What difficult circumstance are you facing?
- Where might God be working behind the scenes?
- How can you trust His purpose?
Stressbuster:
Reflect on a past challenge God brought you through.
