The Lord always looks after His own. At no time are we ever alone and at no time is the Lord unaware of what is going on in our lives. He is with us every moment of every day. His Word promises that to those who know Him as their Lord and Savior. No matter what we are faced with, He knows the situation even better than we do. We might think of a solution but He always has a better one for those who belong to Him. We have our HOPE in Him.
When we think about hope we are usually referring to the fact that we “hope” something happens. “I hope it rains today” says the farmer. Another would chime in and say “I hope it doesn’t rain today.” That’s the sentiment of parents that have a soccer game to attend in the evening. Hope, to the way the average person thinks, is to “wish” that something would come true. But, the word “hope” in the Bible means something quite different. It means “confidence.” It does not mean that one does not know whether something would happen or not but that they “wish” (hope) it would.
In Romans 8:28 we have a great word that should relieve a true believer from much of the frustration of today’s world. It should instill in us the “confidence” that, for the Lord’s people, all is going to turn out for our good. The verse states:
More from Rev. Bill Harrell: The Call
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” So, as we live in today’s world and are made aware of all the things which are taking place, we find it easy to begin to worry about how it is going to affect us. What negative things are going to impact my life? It’s always good to know the parameters with which one is dealing so provisions can be made for our safety and happiness. But don’t forget what the word “hope” means. Again, it means “confidence.” And, Romans 8:28 tells what we can have confidence in and that is that no matter what is going on, God’s people can have confidence that “all things work together for good to them that love God to them that are called according to His purpose.” It’s giving the hope “confidence” we need to carry on and live life with purpose without fear of what is going to happen to us. To those who are Christ’s, all things will work together for good. That doesn’t mean we won’t go through difficult times but it does mean that when we can’t see the good, God has given us confidence that it will work together for good to those who are His. He will protect His own. He gives us that promise. And, when God makes a promise, it is as good as an actual fact. It’s only natural to be concerned about this world, with us as a part of it, and where it is headed. All the crooked politics, natural disasters, pestilences, economic woes plus a myriad of other situations, cannot cancel God’s promise to those who are His through Jesus Christ. We may have to live through uncertain times but we know that according to God’s promise, “all things work together for good to them who love God, those who are called according to His Purpose.
Isn’t that a great promise? As you begin every day if you are one of His own, you can expect that no matter what happens, He has it all already worked out as to how it will “work together for your good.” Just remember: “Hope” in the Bible means “confidence” and confidence means that there is no question about it.
Every Christian has this promise and it is sure to take place with God as the guarantor. Have a Great Day.
Reverend William (Bill) Harrell has been in ministry 48 years. He served as the pastor of Abilene Baptist Church in Martinez, GA for over 30 of those years. He can be reached at wfh@williamfharrell.com. You can also check out his blog at www.williamfharrell.com.
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