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Today’s Word from Pastor Jim…
“We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28
This text has carried me through many a rough time. The words of the Apostle Paul are not fatalistic; the events of our lives are certainly not preordained by God. Paul knew from personal experience that not all things in life are good or according to God’s plan. Paul knew more than his share of heartache; he was fully aware of the consequences of his own sin, and suffered mightily from the sinful behavior of others. Paul did not view life with rose colored glasses, but his vision, restored by God, was informed by his faith.
Everything that happens in life is not a part of God’s plan; in fact, I think that it is safe to say that most of what happens in life is not according to God’s plan. We must not attribute actions or events to the will of God, when those same actions or events would be regarded as criminal if humans had committed them. It is not God’s will that children would have cancer, that accidents would rob us of our loved ones, that the environment would be devastated, or that Tom Brady would make it to another Super Bowl. God is love, not a psychopath.
Everything that happens in life is not a part of God’s plan or God’s will. Remember, God’s deepest desire for us is that we might experience abundant life, a life marked by love of neighbor, care for the most vulnerable, charity toward the immigrant, the pursuit of justice for the oppressed, abiding patience and kindness, and living in harmony with creation. Wherever the marks of abundant life are absent, there is God grieving with us for what might have been, and working with us to bring order out of chaos.
Everything that happens in life is not good, but God can work good in all circumstances. In the midst of death, disaster, pandemic even, God continues to work with humans to bring about good. Our place is to persevere and keep our hearts open for the moving of God’s Spirit. We are to look for opportunities for healing when surrounded by brokenness, for blessings in the midst of disruption, for human kindness in the midst of human loss.
I would like you to identify a single blessing that has come to you in this horrific season of pandemic. Can you name one blessing? Share it on Facebook or send it to me at [email protected]. And once you have identified a blessing and been uplifted by the blessings of others, commit yourselves to work for good. We are blessed, but we are never blessed in isolation.
Blessed to be a Blessing!
Pastor Jim
