(Romans 8:28-29) We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God: those who are called according to His purpose. For those He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
1. Is This God’s WORK?
A. God only uses trials in the lives of those who love Him
B. If I DON’T love God, the whole nature of my difficulty changes.
C. How can I know if I love God?
(John 3:7) “You must be born again.”
(John 14:15) “If you love Me, you will keep My commandments.”
2. Is This God’s WILL?
(James 1:13) God is not tempted by evil, and He Himself doesn’t tempt anyone.
(James 1:17) Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. With Him there is no variation.
A. God is the giver of good gifts.
B. He is not the source of tragedy.
C. Tragedy is God’s “permissive” will only.
3. Is This God’s WAY?
(28) We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God.
A. God uses existing trials to bring about great GOOD in our lives.
(29) For those He foreknew He also predestined to be CONFORMED TO THE IMAGE OF HIS SON.
B. God uses the trials in life to mold us into the maximum resemblance to JESUS.
God always has a bigger purpose in the trials we face and His work helps us to find and live out our purpose.
GENESIS 37: 1-11
We can have hope in troubled times because of Jesus.
John 8:1-11
The life of a Christ follower is a life of always keeping on.
John 8:30-36
If we were more aware of God’s protections, we would be so afraid.
2 Kings 6:15-17
We can enjoy true peace in the midst of a turbulent world.
Philippians 4:4-7
