Walking According to His Purpose

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

Yesterday we talked about Romans 8:28 and God's ability to turn bad things around for good. Today, we want to talk about the B clause of this verse. 

Because this promise isn't made to all people or even all Christians. It has a very specific caveat added to it. It says that the promise is made "to those who are the called according to His purpose."

What does that mean? God has a purpose and will for your life. He calls us to walk in that purpose in various ways. The question is, have we answered that call or are we making our own calls? Are we following his will or are we following our own will?

If bad things are happening and there doesn't seem to be anything good coming out of it, we would be remiss to not ask ourselves these questions. Some bad things are created by our own disobedience, stubbornness, and awkwardness. 

Make sure you're walking in His will and according to His purpose.

God bless,

J.W.

All Things

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

Most people read this scripture wrong. Or at least walk it out wrong. 

The scripture says that all things work together for good. Most Christians read or live this scripture as "all GOOD things work together for good."

The problem with the second way is that it doesn't account for the "bad" things that might happen to us. Jesus told us that in this world, we will have trouble (John 16:33). No doubt about it. It will happen.

But just because something bad happens, doesn't mean that God can't work it out for good. In fact, Romans 8:28 says that He certainly will.

So if bad things are happening in your life, don't worry. That's not the end of the story. God is still in control and can turn it around for good.

God bless,

J.W.

Blessed Assurance

"For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s." ~ Romans 14:8

This scripture proves that no matter our lot in life, we don't have to be afraid. We can be assured that God has us in His hands and have worked everything out for our good (Romans 8:28).

Walk in this assurance today fam.

God bless,

J.W.

 

Trust The Process (Part 1)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

As I enter my mid-30s, and what I call my legacy season - that is, in this season in my life, I believe I'm going to do what I will be remembered for - it's becoming more and more clear to me that God has orchestrated past seasons in my life to set me up for success in the season I'm walking into.

From bring blessed to run an organization at age 19 to all of my experience in politics, organizing, entertainment, etc., it was all divinely ordered to prepare me for this season.

But I'm not alone. That's the beauty of a God that's so powerful. He can work intentionally and immaculately in your life and my life all at the same time.

God is orchestrating events in your life right now. The question is, do you trust his process?

God bless,
J.W.

A Study of Romans 8:28 (Part 2)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

God will always give us what we need to accomplish His purpose (Phillipians 4:19).

So, as my Pastor says, if something doesn't work out the way you thought or you don't gain favor with a specific person the way you planned, that doesn't mean that God isn't working in your life.

It simply means that that person or thing was not necessary for your destiny.

Shake the dust off your feet (Matthew 10:14) and move on to what God has in store for you.

God bless,
J.W.

A Study of Romans 8:28 (Part 1)

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose." - Romans 8:28

Many individuals enter the Christian faith thinking that their salvation means that life will no longer be hard, unfair, and full of challenges.

But Romans 8:28 tells a different story. It says that ALL things work together for good. Not just good things. Not only open doors or positive experiences. But ALL things.

If that's so, we can't look at challenging circumstances or short-term failures as evil. Closed doors are often God's way of guiding us in the right direction.

More to come tomorrow.

God bless,
J.W.

Thinking 'Bout A Perfect Day

"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

As a perfectionist, I often beat myself up over the mistakes I make. But the fact is that making mistakes is a good thing, as long as we learn from the mistakes we make. After all, God said that ALL things work together for good, not just the good things.

God bless,
J.W.

Insignificant People

God doesn't make insignificant people.

However, we can make ourselves feel insignificant by not knowing who or what we are.

The only way to God out who (and whose) we are is to read and study God's word. There, you'll find amazing things about yourself like that you're more than a conqueror (Romans 8:37); you can do all things through Christ who strengthens you (Philippians 4:13); no weapon formed against you shall prosper (Isaiah 54:17); and all things work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

So, pick up a Bible today and find out what God says about you.

God bless,
J.W.

"Study to show thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth." ~ 2 Timothy 2:15

Don't Say It

"My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." (James 1:2-4)

Do you know what the enemy's two favorite words are? "I quit". He would love nothing more than to hear you say, "You know what God, I quit. Every promise you made, the purpose and calling you have for my life, I'm done with it all. I quit."

Every trial and test, every obstacle we face the enemy hopes will cause us to say just that. Thank goodness we serve a God of purpose and "all things work together for the good of those who love the God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)

God tells us here in James 1 that we can rejoice in the midst of our trials because trials teach us patience, and that patience is at work to help complete the perfect work that God begins in us when we become saved. We have to remember that when we accept Jesus as our savior, we become a project of His. A project that He says He will work on until it is complete. (Philippians 1:6)

When times get hard, when the money is low, when things seem like they can't get any worse you can still have joy. Rest in God's promises and be patient, knowing that even in times of trouble, not only is God working out the situation, but He is working on you. Remember, we walk by faith not by sight.

Love is Life,

Daniel Lee Robertson

The Ultimate Good

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." ~ Romans 8:28

God is the ultimate good!

Even when we think certain situations aren't working in our favor...

Even when things look grim...

Even when we don't FEEL like He is...

God is God no matter what. We just have to trust and believe that, in the end, God is working things out for our benefit.

Things may not always go your way, but there's always a plan behind every circumstance. Psalm 37:25 says "I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken, nor his seed begging bread."

So, if you're in a state of lost hope, hold on! Keep the faith a little while longer. God WILL show and prove.

He always shines through.

He always has the last word.

God bless,
J.W.

All Things

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” ~ Romans 8:28

While things may not always go as we planned, we can be assured that they will always work out for our good. Whatever happens is in God's will.

So, stop worrying about the future and living in regret of the past. The details of our lives have already been worked out for us. We have a God who loves us more than we could ever know! Our job is to continue to be obedient and follow His path for our lives.

We are guaranteed success if we do.

God bless,
J.W.

A Plan For Every Circumstance

"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." ~ Romans 8:28

No matter what happens, we can walk in confidence knowing that God is working behind the scenes to ensure that all things work together for our good.

That doesn't mean that all things will go our way. But it does mean that there is a purpose behind every trial, a reason for every tribulation, and a plan for every circumstance.

God's got it all under control.

God bless,
J.W.