Day 10: God Is In Control

September 10 | Week 2: Faith and Trust

For Those Who LOVE Him

Romans 8:28
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.
1. In what ways does your idea of “good” align or not align with what God says is “good”? Typically, I think of something as “good” that brings me comfort, pleasure, or satisfaction. Basically, I feel it is “good” if it makes me feel “good” or meets a “need.” However, this does not align with God necessarily. God says his discipline (hardship) is for my good, even though it is “painful at the time.” (Hebrews 12:5-6;11)

“Feeling Good” vs. “For The Good”

2. Does this verse say everything is good, or that God works it for good? What is the difference? I have not looked at the “for the good” this closely before. Interestingly, if I do not “feel good” about things in the moment I can lose faith that God is working – for my good. Furthermore, hardship builds character and refines faith – when I righteously respond to it. I do not always understand hardship right away and scriptures like this really help my heart.

God Intended It For Good

Genesis 50:15-21

15 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph holds a grudge against us and pays us back for all the wrongs we did to him?” 16 So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Your father left these instructions before he died: 17 ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I ask you to forgive your brothers the sins and the wrongs they committed in treating you so badly.’ Now please forgive the sins of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept.

18 His brothers then came and threw themselves down before him. “We are your slaves,” they said. 19 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? 20 You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. 21 So then, don’t be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

Embittered Payback Or Faithful Perspective?

1. What had Joseph’s brothers done to him? Joseph’s brothers initially plotted to kill him. However, Reuben and Judah both tried to steer their brothers from murdering Joseph. (Genesis 37:21-22;26-27) Sadly, Judah still sold his own “flesh and blood” to the Isamelites for twenty shekels of silver! One shekel of silver was worth an average worker’s monthly wage in that era. Therefore, Joseph was sold for about $110,000 in “todays” money.

God Accomplished What Is Now Being Done

2. How did Joseph see what had happened to him (v. 20)? Joseph saw the whole thing as God working for the good of all. Encouragingly, Joseph was so deeply surrendered to God that he felt no malice or bitterness towards his brothers or his situation!
3. Is there something painful in your past that God has used, or could still use, for good? God has used many of my experiences for his good. Honestly, when I think of something “painful” I think of how disconnected I am from my brother and sister on my mom’s side. Additonally, I think about the “church” divisions I’ve experienced and the relationships that have been severed due to them. I believe that both of these are examples of things that God can use and can still use for his good.

Obviously, there are many other experiences that stand out over the years and I will do well to ask this question every time I think about them.

God Does All That He Pleases

Isaiah 46:9-10

9 Remember the former things, those of long ago; I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. 10 I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.’

1. What does God say about his purpose and his plans? God’s purpose will stand no matter what I think and no matter what happens. Additonally, God does whatever HE pleases. God determines when he makes his plans known and reveals what is still to come. Lastly, I would do well to remember HE is “God, and there is none like [HIM]”!

No Surprises – For God

2. How does it change your worry to know that God is never surprised or caught off guard? The scriptures say I can trust God, no matter what. If I answer the call to God’s purpose from God, then he promises to work for my good. However, that does not mean that I won’t struggle with wanting to be in control, to avoid pain and suffering, or struggle with embitterment over it. Worrying really is the most practical form of atheism. Additionally, when I worry, it is because I believe I am in control which is an unsurrendered and unfaithful disposition.

He Is God, And There Is No Other

APPLICATION: Nothing in your life is outside of God’s reach. Write down one situation that feels out of control right now and highlight any opportunities for good with it. Surrender it to God in prayer and thank him that he is still in charge of it.

When I think of things that feel “out of control” many things race through my mind. Initially I thought about our large personal debts. However, we have downsized to a two bedroom in a less central area to the “big city” and that’s given us means to move forward. Honestly, the things that are most alarming are my mother’s cancer and adjusting to serving in the ministry again. However, if it was not for our financial challenges we would not be able to serve in the ministry. Lastly, my mother’s illness could lead to her studying the bible and getting baptized.

Jesus is LORD.