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Most Christians are familiar with Romans 8:28, that says, “And we know that all things work together for the good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” That verse needs to stay in context in order for its full impact.
The thought break starts at verse 18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
Verse 18 has within it the understanding that something is going to need to be waited for. Verse 28 teaches that the things that we go through, even though we may not like them, even though they may cause pain, or even at times, confusion, are worth pressing on as we learn to trust the Lord.
Interestingly, Psalm 40 reads and could be titled, “King David’s Romans 8:28” — “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps. He has put a new song in my mouth — Praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord. Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not respect the proud, nor such as turns to lies. Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works which You have done; and Your thoughts towards us cannot be recounted to You in order; if I would declare and speak of them they are more than can be numbered.”
There are many things that happen in our life that cause us bewilderment, uncertainty, and even, at times, loneliness. There are also many wonderful times in our life of joy, fulfillment, usefulness, and purpose. It’s in those joyful times that we seem to excel in the Lord and the other times we look for something or someone to blame. It’s in those difficult times that we could choose to take matters into our own hands, we could choose to give up, we could choose to listen to lies based on our feelings and emotional needs.
A saying that is a mainstay for us here at Calvary Chapel is, “It’s always too soon to quit.” That is coupled with a thought of encouragement never to make decisions in haste, in pain, or confusion. Learn to wait on the Lord. It’s not a Christian’s form of procrastination, it is a Christian endurance of trust. Have a blessed summer. TTFN (Trust Trust Fret Not).
Pat Propster is the pastor of Calvary Chapel of Carson City.