Devotional Gems by Jolene
Created for Bible Study for Kids
GOOD
Genesis 38-50, Romans 8:28
By J.D. Griffith
What does it really mean when you hear that God works everything
together for good? Does that mean He can correct our mistakes? Does it
mean that we can goof up and everything will be OK? Does it mean that we
can be bad, and it won’t matter?
Let’s keep things honest. We learned previously that our sovereign Lord
can redeem our sin and weave our past into good for our future. But when
we take advantage of that grace, we cheapen Jesus’ death on the cross.
Giving into temptation just because you know God won’t let things turn
out badly, is taking advantage of His grace. How pathetic we are if we
dare to do this! Children and adults are equally guilty. He won’t let us
get away with sin. Sin has consequences, and demands payment.
Consider Joseph. You can read for yourself in the Bible. In Genesis
38:23-38, Joseph’s brothers sold him into slavery. After decades of time
went by, these same brothers wept at his feet for their sin against him.
(Gen 50:20). Verse 20 says Joseph knew his brothers meant him evil, but
"God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result."
That, in a nutshell, is what Romans 8:28 means. But Romans 8:28 has a
stipulation "We know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, and are called according to His purpose."
This gives us promise and security. We can accept the past, and let it
go—even when knowing we made bad choices. Nothing in our past is outside
what God can handle. We can walk confidently in the present. It’s a
waste of time to play the "what if" game. Learn from the past, but let
it go.
Our job is to love our Lord with all our heart, soul and mind. God wants
us to walk in the present because that’s where His grace flows. We look
forward to our futures. God controls that, too. Walking in the Spirit
means we can live life to the fullest, unafraid of making mistakes.
When things seem to be terrible, you can trust that God is working out
His divine plan through you.
Take Home Nugget
Praise God that He can and will work things out in your future for godly
good. No one can do anything bad to you without God's knowing. Nothing
you do is beyond God’s grace and redemption.
Walk in the Spirit by faith so that you see God’s hand in the most awful
circumstances. He is not limited in any way. If there is a person or
situation in your life that intends you harm, tell God about it. He will
lead you, or show you how this will work out for your good. Praise to
our Lord; thanks be to God!
How blessed I am
That my Father works
hard to bring forth good
When I am in a jamb.
