“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.”
I have been meditating on this passage the past few days and I was compelled by this revelation. That "in all things", so that means the good, the bad, and the ugly- all things; God works everything together to create something beautiful, for my sake. In the New King James, or the NIV, it reads more familiar than the version I have quoted above, you might be familiar with this passage:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
It might take a while for you to fully receive that, so before you read any further, read that passage and just sit and think about it for a few minutes, then return to the rest of the post.
AND WERE BACK...
While meditating on this I saw something different than before. I saw that there is a force behind this verse, that force is God's goodness. His character, His nature, is utter goodness. It is the driving force behind all He does.
Have you ever thought about the phrase, "God is good"? We use that phrase because the Bible says He is "good". But the English word "good", doesn't cut it when describing the majestic, infinite, omniscient, omnipresent, God of the universes.
Strong's Greek definition on biblehub.com, says this:
“agathós – inherently (intrinsically) good; as to the believer, (agathós) describes what originates from God and is empowered by Him in their life, through faith.”
Goodness is empowered by God, and through God. That's why we are not good. Uh oh! Did I say something wrong? (Check out Romans 3:10) Without God we are no good. No buena. Nada. We become good when the Spirit of God dwells within us, and only then, are we truly empowered by goodness, true goodness, to walk righteously, and reflect the goodness of the Father who made us.
The raging force of goodness goes like this. We receive Christ, become filled with His Spirit, possessed by God, if you will, and compelled to become like our Father.
“Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Does this mean nothing to you? Can’t you see that his kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?”
OH!!!! Do you see it? Do you see how passionately for you He is? He is in your corner! He is cheering you on! He is your biggest fan!!! He sends waves and waves of goodness toward you!! Oh that we would be able to receive the goodness of the Lord in our lives! The free gift that is His nature toward us! One last thing I want to leave you with. Take this apostolic prayer, Ephesians 1:18-19, and pray it over yourself today, that you may receive from Him all His goodness toward you!
“Father, let the eyes of my understanding be enlightened today, that I would know the hope of Your calling, and what are the riches of Your inheritance in the saints! Help me to know what is the exceeding greatness of Your power toward me! In Jesus Name, Amen.”
REFLECTIONS
Take the day, or two, to meditate on these passages and pray them over yourself. Is there anything new, or new facets of God's goodness that are standing out to you? Are you sensing the force of God's goodness in your life? I'd love you to share your thoughts below. Have an amazing week in Jesus!