“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” –Romans 8:29
I love Romans 8:28. I mean, I really love Romans 8:28. Sometimes I need to open my Bible just to reassure myself that it is still there. It has to be one of the most encouraging promises in all of Scripture. “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 some things. Not most things. All things. Your things. My things. Good things. Bad things. ALL things.
But what we often fail to realize about Romans 8:28, is that it is followed immediately by Romans 8:29 (yes, I figured out that out all on my own!):
“For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.”
This is the good purpose God is working from ALL things.
~Not that everything will ultimately work out as we hope.
~Not that all our dreams will come true and we’ll get every we want.
~Not that we will be free from suffering and pain.
~Not that all our decisions are “covered” and we won’t sometimes bear the repercussions for our choices.
~Not that everything will finally make sense.
But that ALL things will work together to accomplish the good purpose of conforming us to the image of Christ.
This isn’t some lofty and distant theological ideal. It should be the very cry of our hearts …
~That we would know him.
~That we would be one with him.
~That we would be like him.
~That we would be where he is and do what he does.
Because that’s what he wants.
Jesus is a Redeemer. He doesn’t cause all things, but he wastes nothing that comes our way. So for those who love him, for those who desire what he desires, he will redeem ALL things: The devastating things — the pointless things — the annoying things — the impossible things — the shameful things — the disappointing things —
A.L.L. T.H.I.N.G.S
And he will use those things to accomplish the best and highest purpose of all …
To conform us to his own image.
Lord, Thank you for those moments of clarity when I see what you’re after–when I get a glimpse of what is really important. And Lord, nothing is more important than you and what you desire. Thank you, Jesus, for taking every moment of my life — the good, the bad, and everything in between — and using ALL of those things to accomplish your best and highest purpose for my life — that I would become like you. Amen.
Cindy Powell 