Romans 8:28 - Triumph in Tragedy.
Romans 8:28: Triumph in Tragedy.
Romans 8:28 (NIV) 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 (CWR) We know that God will make all things work out
for our eventual good, as long as we trust Him and remain true to
the purpose for which He called us.
COMMENTARY PEARL
What do you say we have a chat about graveclothes? Sound like
fun? Sound like a cheery topic? Hardly. Make a list of depressing
subjects, and burial garments is somewhere between IRS audits and
long-term dental care.
No one likes graveclothes. No one discusses graveclothes.
Have you ever spiced up dinner-table chat with the question, What
are you planning to wear in your casket?
Most folks dont discuss graveclothes.
The apostle John, however, was an exception. Ask him, and
hell tell you how he came to see burial garments as a symbol of
triumph. He didnt always see them that way. A tangible reminder of the
death of his best friend, Jesus, they used to seem like a symbol of
tragedy. But on the first Easter Sunday, God took clothing of death and
made it a symbol of life.
Could he do the same for you?
Could he take what today is a token of tragedy and turn it
into a symbol of triumph?
We all face tragedy. Whats more, weve all received the
symbols of tragedy. Yours might be a telegram from the war department,
an ID bracelet from the hospital, a scar, or a court subpoena. We
dont like these symbols, nor do we want these symbols. Like wrecked
cars in a junkyard, they clutter up our hearts with memories of bad
days.
But could God use such things for something good? How far can
we go with verses like Romans 8:28 that says, In everything God
works for the good of those who love him? Does everything
include tumors and tests and tempers and terminations? John would answer
yes. John would tell you that God can turn any tragedy into a
triumph, If Only You Will Wait And Watch.
Could I challenge you with a little exercise? Remove the word
everything from Romans 8:28 and replace it with the symbol of your own
tragedy. For the apostle John, the verse would read: In burial
clothing God works for the good of those who love him. How would
Romans 8:28 read in your life?
In hospital stays God works for the good.
In divorce papers God works for the good.
In a prison term God works for the good.
If God can change Johns life through a tragedy, could it
be he will use a tragedy to change yours? [Max Lucado Daily
Devotional at maxlucado.com]
LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE
http://www.abible.com/devotions/2013/20130725-2340.html
LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT
Most Important Decision in Life:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0
Importance of Choice:
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]
Seeking God Made Real: http://vimeo.com/31489782
Prayer Made Real: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE
Musical Devotional On Christian Living:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OcotY5K7T0c
Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David DeRose, MD, MPH:
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart
LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES
Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: http://www.liftingupjesus.net/
Amazing Facts Bible Studies:
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx
Discover Bible Studies: http://studies.itiswritten.com/discover/
Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: http://www.bibleresearch.info/
ABible.com: http://www.aBible.com
LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS
The Last Day of Prophecy by Pastor Doug Batchelor:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmGvdtMCf1aJTiC59-lPtuUMEq_uEn0BK
Restoring The Power by John Bradshaw:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLRogO1SxoZN15Boa7BMon4BouVMdteVaq
Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657