God’s Promise and Scripture

God’s Promise: All things work for the good of those who love God, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 

Scripture: And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)

Devotional

If I asked you, “What is your greatest need today?”, what would you say? Would it be a new job or a raise? Maybe a new car or house? Maybe it’s something bigger, like a spouse or a child/grandchild? Or even bigger - like peace in our land or good leaders in positions of power. At this point, you might be looking at all the needs you have and are starting to feel overwhelmed - anxiety starting to creep in. 

Anxiety is a big part of my story. It’s something that I have struggled with throughout adolescence and adulthood. One particularly anxious moment came in March of 2020. I was in my senior year of college, about to graduate with a degree in Sports Management and pursue a career in sports. I had multiple opportunities on the table and was excited to start my career! Suddenly, this all changed when COVID hit the country. Within three days, every opportunity I had worked for was gone. What followed was months of sleepless nights, panic attacks, feelings of failure, and wondering how I could overcome this.

In these moments where anxiety has us feeling paralyzed and crushed, God gives us one of his greatest, most sweeping promises…

“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

What an amazing promise this is! No matter the circumstances, God will turn it for good for His church. What freedom this brings! But how is this possible? What proof does God give? See what Paul says in verses 29-32…

“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. And those He predestined He also called, and those He called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us all, will He not also with Him graciously give us all things?”  - Romans 8:29-32

The good Paul points to is the salvation of sinners by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This is God’s greatest provision toward us! That while we don’t deserve it, He has made a way for us to receive salvation and spared nothing to do it! Not even His own Son.

Go back to the opening question, “What is your greatest need today?” Truth is - everyone has the same need. We are all desperately in need of a Savior, and we are powerless to solve this problem on our own. Despite this, God graciously comes in and provides a way through the sacrifice of His Son. Meditate on this. 

If you are in Christ today, He saw you in your sin, called you, justified you, is sanctifying you, and will glorify you with Him! What great news! He has fully taken care of our greatest need perfectly! Will He not also take care of every other need? For He has spared nothing good from us.

I remember when God brought these verses to me. It was 2023, and I was once again broken with anxiety by struggles with work and a relationship ending. Through these verses, He began to heal me and remind me of His provision in my life. Because of COVID, I ended up at both Onward and FC Dallas. At Onward, He has redeemed and is sanctifying me and has put relationships in my life to help me pursue Him. At FC Dallas, He has put me in front of many who need the Gospel, and I have gotten to share it with them and exemplify Christ to them. What greater good could there possibly be?!

This is the time of year when we celebrate God’s great provision for us. Let us do this by remembering, rejoicing, and sharing the good news with those who are still in need! Praise be to God! For His is the honor and glory forever and ever! Amen!

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Reflect on your story. Where do you see God's provision in your life?

2. Is there anything you are currently anxious about that you need to let go of and give over to God?

3. Who is someone you know that needs to hear the good news of God's provision for us through the sacrifice of His son?