THANKFUL

Chatting with Jesus

Friday, December 9, 2022

Lord, for believers, how can the worst in any situation be what You would call a ‘good thing?’ In my humanity, that just doesn’t make sense. In my spiritual life, I’m still struggling to make sense of it. If I’m trying to do right and live as You command Your followers to live, yet my world is falling apart, I’d kinda like to know some answers. Am I to blindly accept this as part of Your will for me? Deep within my soul I’m pleading, “Lord, I don’t understand!”

Most likely this plea has been offered with tears by every believer. The Apostle Paul addressed this issue to the believers undergoing extreme hardships in Rome. His statement of faith amid uncertainty has proven true over the centuries.

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose,” — Romans 8:28 (NLT)

We’re quick to quote 8:28 and then move on. But verse 28 is only half the promise. Often overlooked when believers are struggling with the ‘I don’t understand’ question is the preceding verse. Jesus said He would ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to come live within each believer who placed their trust in Him. For believers, we’re never on our own.

“And the Father, who knows all hearts, knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers [when we don’t know how to pray] in harmony with God’s own will” — Romans 8:27 (NLT)

So Lord, I might not understand now, but I accept what You say: “Surrender of your will to My will is really in your best interest.”

I’m sticking with You, Jesus. Amen.