And we know that all things work together for (God’s) good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose [Romans 8:28, parenthesis added].
It is truly amazing how some people’s lives are miraculously turned around. Through some series of events, spiritual insight, seemingly random occurrences, or unexplained hardships, things work out. God’s good purpose is always working itself out.
It may not feel like it as we go through it all. But, on the other side of those experiences, we find God’s loving and sovereign hand was gently coordinating the events to bring us to the place of highest and best use for Him.
All throughout God’s word, He reveals evidence of working all things for God’s good purpose. Foe example, He took John, a fiery, zealous son-of-thunder and transformed him into the apostle of love. Remember, he selfishly and self-righteously asked to be seated beside Jesus in His future kingdom. Yet, the Master’s touch transformed him.
He also wanted to call down heaven’s consuming fire on those who initially rejected Jesus. However, his encounter with Christ completely transformed him. He later wrote that the distinguishing characteristics of Christ followers is the love they show each other [John 13:35].
He further clarified, “He who does not love does not know God, for God is love” [1 John 4:8].
Transforming Events
Through a series of events stretching from religious persecution, then isolated exile on the Isle of Patmos, to the astounding revelation of God’s grandeur, glory, majesty, honor, and power, God took John’s judgmental self-righteous zeal and turned it into compassionate and love for others.
God transforms those who encounter His restoring touch.
- Unfaithful King David brokenly came to him in repentance
- Diseased Naaman humbly submitted to being cured by his faithful obedience
- Doubting Thomas proclaimed the lordship and sovereignty of Jesus
- Sin-stained Rahab forsook the past and claimed forgiveness
- Wayward Jonah accepted God’s guidance and obeyed his call
- Heartbroken Job undeservedly suffered loss, but entrusted results into God’s hands
- Disloyal Peter denied Christ but found forgiveness and expressed complete love for God
- Self-righteous Saul repented and asked, “Lord, what would you have me do?”
Though these stories are truly remarkable, the most incredible realization is that God, in His sovereign love, continues to work on each one of us. Never content to settle for what is second rate or second best, He chooses to mold us and prompt us toward His best.
It starts with a genuine encounter with him by accepting Jesus as Lord and Savior. Even after we’ve tried so desperately to make a mess out of our lives, He brings good from it all, and restores us to Himself, allowing us to share a part in His overall plan.
What a loving, transforming, and restoring God we serve!
