Journal Entry ~ 01/30/19

28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. - Romans 8:28-29

For me, this verse holds the greatest truth in Scripture. So many times I've gone though the deep valleys, I’ve turned to this verse. I love the comfort that it provides no matter what is in front of me. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good. 

The words "we know" in particular bring me such peace. I don't just hope or wonder if He will bring good out of my trials, I can *know* that's what He is doing.  Even when it doesn't make any sense to me at all, even when it causes my heart to ache, I can know that He has a plan in it all and it is ultimately for my good. Having the confidence that the chaos in front of me will be for my good in the end has walked me through some of the most incredibly challenging trials. It has changed my perspective of the struggles in front of me - I fear the storms less because I look forward to the beauty that is coming. No matter what I have faced in my life, He has always ultimately worked it out for my good. I know it to be true. 

His plan in our lives is conform us to the image of His Son, and for that to happen, He needs to reveal to us all those parts of our hearts that are hidden from Him, or are not yet fully submitted. He allows trials into our lives for a specific purpose - to bring into the light the places in our hearts that we still hold on to the world, where our idols have a stronghold, or where sin remains hidden. Its difficult and it’s painful, but it's in the brokenness when our eyes are opened and our heart is revealed. And that is for our good because when our sin is revealed, and we confess and repent, we grow to be more like Him. 


Press on ~ you are loved 💗

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