In ALL things...

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. Romans 8:28

This verse speaks to me in so many ways. I have always kept this verse close to my heart. This isn't one of the verses they teach you at Vacation Bible School or atleast at the ones I went to. But, really, this is a very powerful verse so they should! What person doesn't have a history? What person hasn't made a poor decision? What person hasn't been the victim of poor decisions made by somebody else? Every person can relate to atleast one of those questions. When we look back at our lives, we remember the good, the bad, the ugly and the really, really ugly. If you're like me, you have pondered those moments and wondered why God was allowing you to go through those times. However, each time I look back, I always have that "ah ha!" moment. It's crazy to look back at those times when I was in the "wilderness" and to remember my feelings of desperation, depression or even anger at people I loved, or even God. Then, this verse, inevitably pops back into my mind and heart! It says God works for the good in ALL things, that pretty much means ALL things! It also goes on to say that God works for the good in ALL things FOR THOSE WHO LOVE HIM AND ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE. I can't answer for you, but I love God and pray every single day that I am fulfilling his purpose through my daily life. I can't imagine living my life without my heart being filled with Jesus. When we really understand this verse, it allows us to forgive. God allowed some things to happen in my life to mold me into what he wanted me to be and to minister to others who have been through similar circumstances. I LOVE THAT! It's an amazing feeling to release hurt, pain, unforgiveness, resentment, bitterness or even guilt when we finally realize that He was working in us all along! What a great God we serve!!!!