God's all-wise, gracious, and
adorable providence. Frank Hall. We know that God
causes all things to work together for good to those who love God,
to those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8, 28.
We often find ourselves in trying circumstances, inexplicable difficulties,
and perplexing situations. Experience teaches us daily that
life is filled not with joy and happiness only, but with troubles,
heartache, and pain. We prove the words of Brother
Job every single day of our lives, that man who is born of a woman
is a few days and full of trouble. Is there consolation to be had
in such times of trouble? Indeed there is. If there is
a verse of Scripture that ministers comfort to my doubting, fearful
heart, it is the verse before us, Romans 8, 28. It is help
for the helpless, comfort for those in trouble, and a beacon
of light that guides believers on the tumultuous sea of life. My beloved brothers and sisters
in trouble and strife, All remains well with our souls. Not only
has the Father elected us unto salvation, not only has the Son
redeemed us from our sins, not only has the Spirit regenerated
us and given us spiritual life, But God our Father works all
things together for our eternal good. God is our Father, and
our God is on His throne ruling all things for the glory of His
name and the everlasting salvation of our immortal souls. Who knows? Paul begins this comforting verse
with two precious words. We know. The people of God know. Believers know. The redeemed
of the Lord know. Those who are the called according
to God's purpose know. This is knowledge that only the
saints of God have. They know not with a bare, theoretical
head knowledge, but by faith rooted in their hearts. They
know, because God has taught them this knowledge effectually
by His Spirit and grace. They know, because they believe
His infallible Word of truth. They know in such a way as to
find solace and comfort in what He has revealed. God's people
are here identified by two distinct characteristics. They love God,
and they are called according to His purpose. All of God's
people love God. They love His glorious person
and rejoice in all of His perfections as God. His righteousness, His
immutability, His holiness, His sovereignty, His wisdom, His
power, His love, His grace. They love His will, His word,
His ways, His gospel, His Son, His Spirit, His purpose, His
providence, and His people. God's people love God and all
that pertains to God. All of God's people are called
according to His purpose. They are a particular, distinct,
special people, here named the called. They have been graciously
and effectually called in grace by God's Spirit through the gospel.
not according to their works, merit, or choice, but according
to God's eternal purpose, which He purposed in Himself before
the foundation of the world. All things do not work together
for the good of all men, but for God's people alone, because
their God providentially rules over all things for their eternal
good and salvation. God rules all things, all men,
all angels, all demons, all circumstances, all events, in every place, at
all times, and He does so for the good of His people. What
do we know? We know that God causes all things
to work together for good to those who love God, to those
who are called according to His purpose. Things may appear to
be against us, but it only seems that way. We should not judge
God's purpose by His providence, but His providence by His purpose. If we judge using the former
method, we are sure to misjudge, and we will never have peace
in this life. All pleasures, joys, and delights
are certainly ruled by our God, but that's only half of His rule.
He rules all evil as well as all good. All death, all opposition,
all sickness, every disaster, every problem, all our pain,
and all our sorrow are sovereignly ruled, governed, ordered, and
controlled by our God to bring about eternal good for our souls. God does not tell us how He does
this, only that He does. Whatever my God brings to pass
in time is the outworking of His purpose of grace, and it's
for my good, whether it be in my little sphere of existence
or in the universe at large. O God, help me to believe Your
Word. Teach me not only to submit to
Your providential rule, but to rejoice and rest in it. Set a
watch upon my mouth, that I murmur not, Arrest my heart by your
grace, and give me peace. Keep me from sinning with my
lips and complaining Against your all-wise, gracious, and
adorable Providence, for it is good. God controls and directs
all things with infinite power, absolute sovereignty, and unfailing
wisdom and grace. Nothing can hinder Him from doing
His will, keep Him from having His way, or stop Him from accomplishing
His purpose. We know that God causes all things
to work together for good, to those who love God, to those
who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8, 28