“When you can’t trace His hand, Trust His heart!”

Scripture:

Romans 8:28 (amp) We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.

Romans 8:28 (msg) That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.

Observation:

God works in "everything"—not just isolated incidents—for our good. This does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good. Note that God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill his purpose. Note also that this promise is not for everybody. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called by him, that is, those whom the Holy Spirit convinces to receive Christ. Such people have a new perspective, a new mind-set. They trust in God, not in worldly treasures; their security is in heaven, not on earth. Their faith in God does not waver in pain and persecution because they know God is with them.

Application:

Romans 8:28 is one of those verses that bring much hope and encouragement, but yet is one that is tough to hold onto when you go through a crisis that you don't understand. When the "why Lord?" begins to form in your mind. "Why" do some good, godly people die at such a young age? Doesn't it make more sense for them to live a long life and continue to do great exploits for God? "Why" does bad things happen to good people? "Why" did the doctor just tell me that there is no hope? "Why" did my spouse just walk out on me? "Why" am I struggling so much financially? I've paid my tithes. I've been faithful in giving to God. "Why" am I battling depression and discouragement? And it could go on and on. But it doesn't change the fact that Romans 8:28 is a very real promise from God's Word.

My wife shared something yesterday on her blog that I want to share today:

Trust.

I think I have issues with that word sometimes.

Like today.

I cannot imagine the pain and the sense of loss this family must be feeling.

But God IS in control.
He DOES have a plan.
He KNOWS what is best for everyone.
All things DO work together for the GOOD of those who love Him.

Sometimes we can't see the angle He is going for.
Sometimes we just don't get what His purpose is.
Sometimes we can't trace His hand.
That is exactly when we need to learn to trust His heart.

Babbie Mason sings a song that has some of the most powerful words of any song that I have ever heard. Let me share them with you:

"All things work for our good though sometimes we can't see how they could. Struggles that break our hearts in two, sometimes blinds us to the truth. Our Father knows what's best for us. His ways are not our own. So when your pathway grows dim, and you just can't see Him, remember you're never alone.

God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand, when you don't see His plan, when you can't trace His hand...Trust His heart

He sees the master plan, and He holds our future in His hands. So don't live as those who have no hope, All our hope is found in Him. We see the present clearly, but He sees the first and the last, and like a tapestry He's weaving you and me to someday be just like Him.

God is too wise to be mistaken. God is too good to be unkind. So when you don't understand. When you don't see His plan, When you can't trace His hand...Trust His heart

He alone is faithful and true. He alone knows what is best for you. So when you don't understand. When you don't see His plan. When you can't trace His hand, trust His heart"

Prayer:

"Lord, I am so thankful that you have a plan and purpose for my life. During the times that I lose sight of that, please forgive me for the lack of trust, and lack of faith. I am so thankful that you love me and that you are truly touched with the "feeling" of my struggles. I must confess that there are times that I can't trace your Hands. But I know down deep in my Spirit man, that you are too wise to be mistaken. You are too good to be unkind. So even when I don't understand, when I am having a hard time seeing your plan…I determine to truly trust your Heart. In Jesus name, amen!"

Blessings!

Pastor Rusty