Seeds Of Hope Daily Devotional: Romans 8:28

Showing posts with label Romans 8:28. Show all posts

Friday, August 30, 2024

Why Do We Suffer?

Many of us, from time to time, ask ourselves the age-old question: “If God is God, and if God is a great God and if God is a good God and if God is a powerful God, why does He allow bad things to happen to me and others who have good intentions and want to please Him?”

Deep down we do believe that He is a good and great and powerful God. But that question still nags at our innermost thoughts and feelings and from time to time challenges our faith with subtle doubts.

He certainly does have everything under His control, and He does desire our very best. But not all things, such as sorrow and suffering, seem good while we are going through them.

I remember very well my mother’s homemade bread. I would return home from school, l and the entire house would be filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread waiting for some butter and homemade strawberry jam.

But by themselves, I did not like flour, yeast, shortening or baking soda. But when Mom mixed them together, allowed them to “rise” and then baked them in a hot oven, the results were amazing and wonderful.

Is that not how God works? Some pain here. A lot of suffering there. A time of grief. Sorrow for a season. Financial problems. Discouragement over a loss. That’s God’s mixing everything together for our good and His will.

Prayer: Father, give us grace and courage to look at our lives the way that You look at them - knowing and believing that everything works for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: 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 for them. Romans 8:28

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

Prayer and Providence

An ocean liner was in the midst of a terrible storm while making its way from England to America. The ship was swaying violently from side to side and heaving up and down as the waves washed over the bow.

The captain was trying his best to calm the people and encourage them not to be frightened. Suddenly a lady shouted, “Do something!”

“We’re doing our best,” said the captain calmly, “and we are trusting in the providence of God.”

“Oh my word,” she cried. “Is it that bad?”

The word providence comes from two Latin words. One means “before” and the other means “to see.” When the Christian speaks of “providence” it conveys the message that God knows the outcome of the events in our lives before they happen. Not only that, He knows and understands how those things which we sometimes resent are working to shape us into the person He wants us to be!

Paul said that whatever happens in the life of the Christian happens for the Christian’s best interests. In fact he said that “everything works together for their good who are called according to His purpose.” Not that everything that happens to the Christian is good in and of itself. It means that everything that happens is to shape us into the likeness of Christ. As we become more and more like Him, He can use us more and more to do the work He has for us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we not only accept the fact that You are at work in our lives, but really believe it is because You love us and want us to be like Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Thursday, August 8, 2024

Giving In or Growing In Him?

We all have had days filled with discouragement and disappointments. Perhaps more than we care to recall. Often they can be used by the devil to defeat and destroy us.

Think about discouragement. It comes from being dissatisfied with things in the past, a distaste of the present or quite possibly a distrust of the future. When we allow ourselves to become discouraged, we are surrendering our courage to what we have allowed to overcome us. Discouragement is a signal from God that the devil is trying to take away the hope He has given us in Christ. When we feel discouraged we need to take away the “d” and replace it with an “H” and call for “His-courage” to enable us to be victorious.

We also need to realize that our disappointments are, in fact, His-appointments! Nothing enters our life by chance - only by and through Christ. Often when things do not go as we intended them to go, we consider them to be one of life’s disappointments. However, what we need to realize is that God Himself is intervening in our life. He is attempting to get our attention. He wants us to make an adjustment to what we are doing with our lives that is not in line with the plans He has for us.

Not everything that happens to us can be considered “good” - but everything will eventually be “good” for us.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to believe that You love us too much to abandon us, care for us too much to harm us and too gracious to keep what we need from us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

Sunday, September 27, 2020

Accidents Or Appointments?

A rough-and-ready cowboy applied for a large life insurance policy. Worried about his lifestyle, the agent was careful and cautious to ask questions to make sure that the cowboy would not take any foolish chances.

“Have you had any accidents?” asked the agent.

“No, not really,” he answered. “Come to think of it, though, a rattlesnake bit me and a horse kicked me once.”

“Well,” questioned the agent, “aren’t those accidents?”

“Oh no,” he responded. “They did it on purpose!”

There are no accidents in the life of the Christian - only appointments from God to let us know He is with us and working out His will in our lives. Fortunately, God is always working in “everything,” not as though He is bored and wants something to do, but because of His love for us. Many things that happen to us are not good in themselves, but are good for us. Though not obvious at the time things “happen,” they ultimately bring us closer to God.

God, through His power and love, is able to take every event and turn it into an experience that will fulfill His purpose for our lives. Wherever we are and whatever occurs in our lives is because of one singly, significant fact: Christ is in us preparing us for that time when we will be with Him. We need a heavenly “mindset” that enables us to see beyond the moment and into our future with Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to develop an eternal vision that allows us to see beyond what is: You are always active in our lives, preparing us for life with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: 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 for them. Romans 8:28

Were you helped by today's devotional? Leave a comment and let us know!

Accidents Or Appointments?

“Have you had any accidents?” asked the agent.

“No, not really,” he answered. “Come to think of it, though, a rattlesnake bit me and a horse kicked me once.”

“Well,” questioned the agent, “aren’t those accidents?”

“Oh no,” he responded. “They did it on purpose!”

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to develop an eternal vision that allows us to see beyond what is: You are always active in our lives, preparing us for life with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today: 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 for them. Romans 8:28

Were you helped by today's devotional? Leave a comment and let us know!

Tuesday, January 24, 2017

God's Master Plan

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle studied to be a physician. After completing his studies he established a medical partnership with a friend. It did not go well and they soon parted ways.

Shortly afterward, he opened his own practice. Initially he had very few patients and to pass away the long, boring days he began to write factious crime stories. His first writings were not well received. But since he had empty hours to fill, he continued to write.

Two of his characters were Sherlock Holmes and Watson. His stories were framed around much of the information he learned while a medical student, and it was his use of “differential diagnosis” in his writings that brought much of the intrigue to his works. It did not take long before his stories gained much attention and his writing career was established.

It may be intriguing for some to wonder why he did not go directly into writing crime stories rather than the field of medicine. Certainly that was an option. But it was his understanding of “differential diagnosis” that made his crime stories different and brought him success.

Often we wonder why we are sometimes called to go through “things” that seem foolish and worthless, boring and frustrating. But God has a plan for each of us and we must be patient with Him until He reveals it.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to be patient and open while You are preparing us for our life’s work. May we do our best to develop our talents carefully and wisely for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

God's Master Plan

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle studied to be a physician. After completing his studies he established a medical partnership with a friend. It did not go well and they soon parted ways.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to be patient and open while You are preparing us for our life’s work. May we do our best to develop our talents carefully and wisely for You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Friday, November 4, 2016

God And The Issues Of Life

Years ago a luxury ocean liner was making its way from England to America. Shortly after dark it encountered a massive thunderstorm and heavy seas. The ship began to heave first one way and then the other because of the enormous waves. One of the passengers sought out the captain and shouted in a loud voice, “Do something!”

“Madam, we are doing our very best,” he said calmly, “and we are trusting in the providence of God.”

“Is it that serious?” she asked.

The word “providence” comes from two Latin words, “care” and “preparation beforehand.” For the Christian this means that before we encounter problems or pain, trials or troubles God has already made His preparation for us to be safe and secure no matter what He brings into our lives.

We must realize that God sees “things” beforehand and knows what happens to us before it actually happens. Because of His knowledge and power, He will arrange the outcome of these “things” to fulfill His purpose for our lives.

Paul certainly believed in the providence of God. In his letter to the Romans he assures us that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called by Him.” If it comes into our life it is because God has a purpose and plan for it. Accept it and look for God’s hand in it.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to trust You when days seem dark and nights seem long. May we realize and accept Your “providence” for us in everything! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Saturday, October 29, 2016

Why Do We Suffer?

Many of us, from time to time, ask ourselves the age old question: “If God is God, and if God is a great God and if God is a good God and if God is a powerful God, why does He allow bad things to happen to me and others who have good intentions and want to please Him?”

He certainly does have everything under His control and He does desire our very best. But not all things, such as sorrow and suffering, seem good while we are going through them.

I remember very well my mother’s homemade bread. I would return home from school and the entire house would be filled with the aroma of fresh baked bread and wanting some butter and homemade strawberry jam to go with it.
The flour, yeast, shortening and baking soda needed to be “put together.” But when Mom followed a “recipe”, allowed them to “rise” and then baked them in a hot oven, the results were amazing and wonderful.

Prayer: Father, give us grace and courage to look at our lives the way that You look at them - knowing and believing that everything works for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have called according to his purpose.

Thursday, October 13, 2016

Prayer And Providence

The captain was trying his best to calm the people and encourage them not to be frightened. Suddenly a lady shouted, “Do something!”

“We’re doing our best,” said the captain calmly, “and we are trusting in the providence of God.”

“Oh my word,” she cried. “Is it that bad?”

Paul said that whatever happens in the life of the Christian happens for the Christian’s best interests. In fact he said that “ 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.” Not that everything that happens to the Christian is good in and of itself. It means that everything that happens is to shape us into the likeness of Christ – and that’s for our good. As we become more and more like Him, He can use us more and more to do the work He has for us.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, may we not only accept the fact that You are at work in our lives, but really believe it is because You love us and want us to be like Christ. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 For we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Friday, October 7, 2016

Giving In Or Growing In Him?

We all have had days filled with discouragement and disappointments. Perhaps more than we care to recall. Often they can be used by the devil to defeat and destroy us.

Think of discouragement. It comes from being dissatisfied with things in the past, a distaste of the present or quite possibly a distrust in the future. When we allow ourselves to become discouraged, we are surrendering our courage to what we have allowed to overcome us. Discouragement is a signal from God that the devil is trying to take away the hope He has given us in Christ. When we feel discouraged we need to take away the “d” and replace it with an “H” and call for “His-courage” to enable us to be victorious.

Not everything that happens to us can be considered “good” - but everything will eventually be “good” for us.

Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to believe that You love us too much to abandon us, care for us too much to harm us and too gracious to keep what we need from us. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Careful: God At Work

One morning a man, seeking direction in his life, was going through his mail. He had prayed earnestly for direction from God but it never seemed to come. On this day, however, things changed.

Tucked away in the pile of mail he was sorting through was a magazine that was addressed to his neighbor. He looked at the cover and saw an article entitled, “The Needs of the Congo.” His curiosity got the best of him so he opened the magazine and read the article. It touched his heart deeply.

For days he prayed about its contents and the opportunities and challenges it presented. Finally, one day he declared, “My search is over.” He went to the Congo, lost himself in his work and became a great medical missionary and author. Ultimately he received the Nobel Peace Prize for his work.

Albert Schweitzer was a theologian, philosopher, organist, and physician. But one day he became a medical missionary where he lost himself in God’s will doing God’s work among the lost and dying.

Was it an accident that the mailman put the magazine in the wrong mail box? Of course not. He too was doing God’s work. Although some may consider it an “accident” it was actually “an act of God” to get his attention.

Prayer: How marvelous are the different ways, Lord, You use to get our attention to do Your will. Help us to be alert to see and hear what You have for us to do. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Friday, August 19, 2016

Obstacles Can Be Opportunities

Centuries ago, a king had a group of his soldiers place a large stone in the middle of a road during the night. They worked in silence following his orders because he wanted no one to see them place a sack beneath the stone.

The next day he sat in a balcony where no one could see him and watched as the people passed by. All of them looked at the stone, paused a moment and then walked around it. Some became angry and wanted to know who could possibly have a reason to interrupt their lives with such a horrible inconvenience. Others cursed the stone thinking that their oaths would make a difference and the stone would move under its own power.

Finally an elderly peasant paused, looked at the stone and then summoned all of his strength and pushed it out of the way. To his surprise he discovered a purse beneath the stone. When he opened it he discovered many gold coins and a note from the king. The note read: “Whoever moves this stone is entitled to the coins in this purse.”

God works “in everything,” according to Paul, “for our good.” It does not mean that whatever happens to us is good. But that “good” will come to us if we fulfill His purpose for our lives and grow into His likeness.

Prayer: Give us, Dear Father, the vision to see every obstacle in life as an opportunity to use the strength You have given us to grow into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Accidents Or Appointments?

A rough-and-ready cowboy applied for a large insurance policy. Worried about his life style, the agent was careful and cautious to ask questions to make sure that the cowboy would not take any foolish chances.

“Have you had any accidents?” asked the agent.

“No, not really,” he answered. “Come to think of it, though, a rattlesnake bit me and a horse kicked me once.”

“Well,” questioned the agent, “aren’t those accidents?”

“Oh no,” he responded. “They did it on purpose!”

There are no accidents in the life of the Christian – only appointments that are from God. They come from Him to let us know that He is with us and working out His will in our lives. God is always working in “everything” not as though He was bored and wanted something to do. Many things that happen to us are not good in themselves, but are good for us because they bring us closer to God.

God through His power and love is able to take every event and turn it into an experience that will fulfill His purpose for our lives. Wherever we are and whatever occurs is because of the fact that Christ is in us preparing us for that time when we will be with Him. We need a heavenly “mindset” that enables us to see beyond the moment and into our future with Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to develop an eternal vision that allows us to see that You are active in our lives preparing us for life with You. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Sunday, July 3, 2016

Attitudes Make The Difference

His lifelong ambition was to become the CEO of the successful business his father founded. He dreamed about the day he would have a corner office overlooking the skyline of New York with a secretary to bring him coffee each morning.

Then reality set in. The day before he was to begin his career his father said, “Son, you'll start at the bottom just as I did. Your first job will to be to water the hundreds of plants in our building.”

His hopes dashed and his dreams shattered, he refused to become discouraged. The next morning he came to work with his new business card that read: “Plant Manager.”

We cannot always control our circumstances but we can control our attitude. Whatever happens in our lives happens because God has something special for us to do in every situation we face. This does not mean that what happens to us is good. Rather, it means that God is able to turn every circumstance of our lives into something that will eventually be good for us. We must remember that God is not working to make us happy. He is working in us to complete the work that began in our lives when we received Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord. His goal is to fashion and form us into the likeness of His Son so that we are enabled and equipped to fulfill the purpose He has for us.

Prayer: Help us, Father, to refuse to be disturbed or destroyed by the disappointments of life. May we accept and believe that all things work together for our good. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: 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

Monday, May 16, 2016

From Trials to Triumph

Twelve men, who met regularly to discuss the problems they were dealing with, began to argue about which one of them had the most serious problem. Unable to come to a conclusion, they decided to go to a counselor for his views.

As they began to discuss and debate their problems in his presence, each tried to make his situation sound the worst.

After a few moments the counselor asked them to divide themselves into two groups of six and sit in chairs facing each other. After sitting and facing each other, he gave them a piece of paper and said, “Write your problems on the paper and then exchange it with the one who is sitting opposite you.” They did as he asked.

As they read the other persons problem, they realized that their own problem was not as serious as it had been and asked for their problem to be returned.

As believers we must accept the fact that God causes everything to work together for our good. This does not mean that everything that happens to us is good – but that God will use every “thing” to His good. He does this to accomplish the purpose He has for each of us in knowing and doing His will.

Prayer: Give us strength Lord, to accept everything in our lives as a gift from You that can, if we let it, shape us into Your likeness. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Diamonds From A Dungeon

His family must have spent a fortune on his education. He studied under the greatest teachers of his day. He was thoroughly trained in law. Became a well-recognized warrior. Traveled extensively. Enjoyed athletic competition so much that he knew all the rules and measures used to evaluate athletes. One day God spoke to him in a dramatic way and his life was changed forever. He put his complete trust in God and decided to follow Him to the ends of the earth. Eventually, things changed. Life did not become easy for him, but difficult. As a result of his obedience, he suffered shipwrecks and stoning. He faced death from maddening mobs and whips that lashed his body. Even though he was thrown into prison, his spirit was never shattered nor his faith flawed.

How did Paul endure these hardships? He turned his dungeon into a mine of diamonds. He wrote some of the world’s finest letters, inspired early church leaders, formed the theological foundation of Christianity and endured hardships as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

It was while he was in prison that he wrote, “We know that all things work together for good.”

Prayer: Father, help me to find Your comfort in conflict, Your solace in sorrow and Your encouragement in times of discouragement: in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Thursday, February 11, 2016

His Best Break

From the time he was a small child, he dreamed of being a pitcher on a major league baseball team. After long years of developing his skills and becoming successful, he made it to the major league and was on the mound pitching his first game. Suddenly, after releasing a pitch he fractured his arm.

The surgeons examined his arm carefully and knew that his career was over. He was advised not to do any work that would strain his arm. He became disappointed and depressed during his lengthy period of recovery and had little hope for his future.

One day he decided to teach himself to draw. After several months of working on this new skill, he became a sports cartoonist for a local newspaper. His word-pictures and penciled drawings brought him much attention and eventually worldwide fame as “Mr. Believe It Or Not.”

From being a cartoonist that drew sports figures, he went on to develop “Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!” that was published in many newspapers and became a television program. Throughout the remaining years of his life he would often quote his favorite Bible verse, “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him.” God can turn every tragedy into a triumph to fulfill His purpose in our lives.

Prayer: Lord, we thank You for working in us and through us to bring honor and glory to Your Name. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 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.

Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Unexpected Rewards

He began playing the cello at an early age, and by the time he was eighteen he enjoyed playing in a small European orchestra. Unfortunately, he became nearsighted and as a result had to memorize his part and the parts of all of the other instruments if he was to play with the orchestra. Fortunately, he became very skilled at memorization.

One day the orchestra was to play before a large audience. Moments before the performance was to begin, the leader became ill. Arturo Toscanini, the cellist, was called upon to lead the orchestra because he was the only person who knew the music. His performance was flawless and the critics praised his skills. Other opportunities became available and he went on to become a world famous conductor. What may have defeated others became a successful career for him.

God has great plans for each of us. He sees and knows every obstacle we might ever encounter from the day we are born until the day our lives end. His part is to bring all “things” together; our part is to work with Him to achieve the “good” that He has in store for us.

Prayer: Help us, Lord, to believe that You have a great plan for each of us and never surrender in defeat. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Monday, June 8, 2015

From Trials To Triumph

What do you do when you have a difficult time pleasing someone?

George Crum was the chef at a famous country club in Saratoga Springs, New York. One evening there was a guest who ordered fried potatoes to go with his meal. When his order of fries was served, he asked the waiter to return it to the kitchen saying they were too thick. This happened several times. Crum became frustrated. But he did not give up.

Challenged, he took his sharpest knife, sliced some potatoes wafer thin, deep fried them in boiling oil, sprinkled salt on them and had the waiter take them to the guest. The guest sampled them, smiled and decided to pass them around the table to his friends. Everyone enjoyed them and ordered more. The “potato chip” was born that evening and has become one of our favorite snacks.

There are times in all of our lives when people irritate us or bother us. It seems like nothing we do will ever please them or meet the standards they have set for us. No matter what we do or how hard we try, it is not going to be good enough. So, the temptation is there to give up or quit. Paul said, “God causes all things to work together for our good.” This includes the most painful problems and difficult demands of life. In all things we must trust Him, do our best and leave the results to Him. He knows what is best for our lives.

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for giving us problems to solve and challenges to meet, so we can grow strong. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture for Today: Romans 8:28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.