Romans 8:28-29, "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son."

Think

For anyone who has suffered greatly, it's difficult to imagine what kind of good might arise from a tragic situation. Where's the silver lining when a father abandons his family or a loved one suffers an untimely death?  Saying it will all work out for the best is like pouring salt on an open wound. In today's reading, that's exactly the point! Paul writes that God causes all things to work together for good. So many things that make no sense when seen in isolation are, in fact, working together to produce something good in our lives. This means everything, without exception, works out for your best. It's not about better circumstances; it's about making a better you! Someday, if you submit to God and His ways, you will see that all the painful chapters, all the heartache, tears, and disappointments were used for one purpose - to conform you into Jesus' image. It will become clear that all things - both good and bad - truly worked together to make you who God wanted you to be. In the end, we can rest in the joy of all that it means to be a reflection of God's Son, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Act

Make a list of the most painful chapters in your life. Tell God that you know He's not responsible for these moments, but that He is using them to do something very good - to make you more like Jesus.

Pray

Dear God, I know that You didn't cause all the painful chapters in my life.  But, I do know that You are working everything together for my good - making me more like Jesus. I trust You even when I cannot see nor understand the greater good. In Jesus' name, Amen.