8/28

     Certain verses in the Bible seem to be very popular for use as plaques to hang on the wall.  If you are any kind of a learning institution, then Second Timothy 2:15 will be around somewhere.  Many homes have Proverbs 3:5-6 displayed somewhere to speak about God's direction in our lives.  As I was writing the date for today's devotion, another verse came to mind.  Romans 8:28 says, "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." 
         This is the verse that usually is mentioned when there is severe or even moderate trouble in a person's life.  It is also used when we don't know what else to say.  It is used when we have no other explanation for what just happened in our lives.  It is a "catch all" verse that seems to apply to so many different situations.  When temptation comes, we usually think of First Corinthians 10:13.  When unexplained things take place in our lives, we think of Romans 8:28.  It is true that it does seem to fit many different occasions in our lives.  While we use this verse, sometimes, we fail to notice a couple of words that are really important.  What we fail to notice quite often is the little phrase, "...those who love God."   Even non believers will quite often use the verse to explain the difficulties in their lives but who have never loved God in that personal sense.  We are reminded to love God with all our heart, with all our mind and with all our strength.  That means that we will be putting Him first in our decisions no matter what comes up.  The "convenient" believer will do that which is good for them to do at that moment.  If you have a choice to worship God or to go to a special event, which will you choose?   Our true love for God will often be displayed by our actions and our choices.  So, then, the rest of the verse will not apply to most situations.  If I fail to love God, then we should not be dismayed when things don't seem to be working our for the good.  The person who truly loves God will be able to fully trust in God's plan for their life regardless of whether it seems good or not.  You can have confidence that things will work out for good if you have your affection in the right place, in other words, if you are loving God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength.  Praise God today that He does have your best interests in mind in all things.