Romans 8:28 is easily one of the most quoted verses in the entire Bible.
“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’s usually thrown around when life brings us trials and difficulties, reminding us that no matter what valley we are walking through, God is using it for our good. It’s such a comforting verse because it brings the reality that we all want to hear and that’s the idea that it will turn out good in the end. We all crave a fairytale happy ending where everything makes sense.
And Romans 8:28 allows us to rest comfortably in this idea. Yet, our version of good and God’s version of good tend to look different sometimes. We can see this in the lesser known verse that follows Romans 8:28, and that is Romans 8:29.
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.”
God is working things for good, while also recognizing that “good” is conforming us to the image of his Son.
And what was the image of Jesus? A servant who walked through trial, temptation, betrayal, pain, and difficulty.
Lent is a beautiful holiday leading up to the Easter holiday as we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. But, to properly celebrate the resurrection of Christ, we have to understand the suffering that came before it.
We serve a Savior who bled for us, who died for us, who was crucified brutally and publicly on a cross for us. If we are to be conformed to the image of His Son, we must recognize that life will not always be easy for us.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33
We are promised trouble in this world!! But, the good news is that Jesus overcame them all. We can stand confidently in the fact that God is greater than our troubles and will work them for good. Looking more like Jesus is a beautiful thing that each of us should strive for, scars and all.
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Pray with us,
Lord, let us focus on the gift it is to be Your children and be conformed to the image of Your son. God, you are so good, even when life does not look or feel good. Help us to remember the truth of Your character and the gift salvation is. Thank you for your son and all the sacrifice You made for us.
Amen.