Dear brothers & sisters,
There are many things on my heart, but this week I would remind you of the great purpose of God for his people in all things.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers" (Romans 8:28-29).
There are many things about which you may have no certainty in this world. Situations change as quickly as the weather when the wind blows across the hills. But you may be sure, brothers, that ALL THINGS will turn out to be for the good of "those who love God... those called according to his purpose."
If you love God, having answered the call of God by faith in Christ, you may be sure that good will come of every aspect of your life, even the bad.
1) The reason you may be sure, is God's foreknowing predestining grace. From beginning to end God is involved in the salvation of His people. Indeed Paul goes on to assure us that "those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." In this way, we are reminded that God sees his people to the end. Thus, we may be assured that HERE & NOW he is presently working for our good. And the guarantee of this is that God gave His own Son to save his people (see Romans 8:31-39).
Do you think often of God's grace for you in Christ? Here is a wellspring of comfort when we don't know WHY things happen the way they do.
Now all this is for a purpose.
2) The purpose of God for his people in all things is "to be conformed to the image of His Son" (8:29). God's eternal purpose is to redeem a people for Himself, so that they will grow up to become like Christ their God and Savior. This conformity does not (as some suppose) mean that we may become of the same nature or substance as God, for He alone is God, there are none before and there shall be none after (Isaiah 43:10). Rather He will make us like Him in respect to His character and we shall share in Christ's resurrection. God's design is that all who trust in Christ would reflect the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Ephesians 4:24). His purpose is that we would be molded and shaped by the goodness and truth of the Lord Jesus who has been so good to us. Remember, God's purpose isn't a comfortable and happy life as you would define it. His purpose is that you would be fit for his Kingdom, formed into the likeness of the one who loves you with an everlasting love. Surely, there is no greater goal than this, to be like our Lord in love, in faith, in purity, in integrity. Seek, then to trust in God's promise and remind yourself daily that in all things he has good in mind for you. Remember, his purpose for you in Christ is that you would become more like Jesus.
Grace & Peace be with you as you trust God's good purpose and are conformed more and more to the image of Christ reflecting his goodness and truth in all of life,
Matt
Matthew Deneault
Pastor at Christ Community Fellowship
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