God Is In Control

In Sunday school yesterday I taught on Romans 8 where Paul reassures us that we are more than conquers because of what Christ did on the cross and that His Spirit lives inside us as we live, breathe, and walk this earth. We learned that trials in life are to be considered precious and valuable because God has allowed them into our lives for a very special reason and that each trial holds great power to hone His greater character in us. We also discussed the great comfort of knowing that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. What sweeter words are there to plant deep into our hearts?

At the end of class one of the ladies quietly sat in her seat looking totally perplexed. As I approached her to say good bye she said, "I just don't understand verse 28 where it says God works His good through all things. Does that mean He works through all the bad things too? How can God bring good from evil?"

She went on to explain that she was not doubting God's word but simply could not understand this concept. Clearly her heart was honest, tender and seeking greater understanding. It was a precious thing to watch and I am glad the Lord gave me the privilege. I savored the moment as she searched through the pages of scripture to point out her question and watched as her hand slowly settled on the verse. She spoke to me but her eyes gazed off into space as if searching the heavens for an answer specifically from God.

Her question was so precious to me and I know it was priceless to God. She was like a child asking her daddy why the sky was blue and I can't count how many times I've approached God in the same fashion. During this tender moment I assured her that God invites us to ask Him questions and that when we do He is faithful to grant us greater understanding. I also assured her that even when we do not understand what His word is saying, it never contradicts itself. In fact, that is what makes Him God! If we understood everything about Him and how He works, He would not be the great I AM. It is in this great mystery that we can find comfort and rest in knowing that only He is God. He is always in control and one day our faith will become sight and we will understand His great, grand, and sometimes totally perplexing plan.

"For I am convinced that neither death nor life,

neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future,

nor any powers, neither height nor depth,

nor anything else in all creation,

will be able to separate us from the love of God

that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Romans 8:38-39