"WHY ME LORD? ~ HE KNOWS BEST"

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

I have used this verse before ~ it's one of my favorites! It really says a lot....

What do we mean by "good?" "Good" does not mean the total achievement of all our desires but rather something that becomes a part of the tapestry God is weaving of our lives ~ something that builds character, leads us to recognize His mercy, exercises trust, teaches us patience, or thrusts us into opportunities for service. Then indeed all the experiences that befall us "who are the called according to
His purpose" are truly good for us in some way that may not now be apparent.

"He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?" Romans 8:32

This is told us to assure us of God's goodness in dealing with us. Knowing this attitude of God toward us, someday we will say, "So that was how He meant it for my good!"

"For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him." 1Thess. 5:9,10

We have a hard time accepting the unpleasant things in life. We invariably ask, "Why me Lord?" as if God's punishment is the reason for our lost job, illness, loss of a loved one, or financial difficulties. This verse makes it clear that our hard times are not to be regarded as God's ultimate goal for our lives. God does not want us to suffer wrath but, on the contrary, to have a joyful life over-flowing with abundant blessings, the greatest of which is eternity with Him! We need not ask, "Why me, Lord?" in fear or anger ~ In Christ Jesus, God's purposes for us are only good!

"And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee." Matthew 9:2

When someone becomes ill, we know what we think God should do, but He doesn't always do it. Problems arise and Jesus fails to remove them. We fail when we expect Him to do things according to our timely schedule. But Jesus is above our plans, and in His wisdom He does things in ways that we cannot begin to comprehend. His ways are wiser; His ways are better; His ways are far superior to anything we might devise. Jesus is Lord, and He knows best what He is doing in our lives. We must trust His Word always!

Application: Fortunate is the person who knows that as part of the family of God he
is surrounded and upheld by God's unfailing love. Fortunate is the person who knows that there is no such thing as "fate" or "luck" but that God is at work in and through everything which befalls us. We can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us. That doesn't mean we won't have bad days, or sorrowful days, but it does mean, through all our days, we have Christ's strength to carry us.

Today's Devotion: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

God Bless You All as you allow Jesus to do what's best for you in your life, trusting in all things, according to His purpose.