My heart has been heavily weighed down with Romans 8:28 lately.
"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" (NIV)
This verse came up last week during a director's luncheon, and I can't stop thinking about it. We were specifically talking about this verse in relation to the phrase "everything happens for a reason". Now, I have never thought of it this way, but I think this perspective is sweet and I think I'm diggin' it.
First of all..let's get a little theological. I'm on this whole "looking words up in the greek" nerdy stage right now, and I love it! First of all we have the word sunergei which signifies "the active involvement of real actors accomplishing a task" and panta represents "all things". Therefore, this verse portrays that if good things are being made to happen, it's because God is at work transforming "all things" into something that it would not be on it's own. Oh. my. lanta.
I think another important part of this verse is the translation. The NIV reads that "God works". Therefore, it is only through God that all things are able to work. My favorite translation is the ESV which reads, "for those who love God all things work". The ESV is closely tied to the KJV, which makes sense as to why this verse is translated in this way. In summary, in my own processing of scripture, I've always read this verse focusing on "all things working out" when in reality, I'm now convinced that it's focus is to show that "God is working in all situations".
Now back to how this ties in with "everything happens for a reason" and why this has been so heavy on my heart. Through thinking and processing through all of this, I've promised myself that I will never ever say "all things happen for a reason" anymore. For starters, this isn't biblical (thanks Rob Shep!) and for two, God is all powerful. If we are deeply and intimately committed to following Him in our daily lives and we are set on seeking Him above all else, then we are ultimately following the Lord and allowing the convictions that He places upon our hearts through the Holy Spirit to guide and direct us in our every day lives. It is God that is working.
For example, it is not some mystical power or coincidence that financial support is coming in for this trip that I will embark on in September. It is God. God is providing financially for this trip through His people. In 14 days, God has provided $1215.00. I am floored every time I think about this. "God is working in all situations".
And this is why I think the Lord has put this passage of scripture so heavily on my heart recently. This is why God allowed that conversation last week to take place. So that my eyes would be opened, my ears would be listening and my heart would be focused exactly where the Lord wants me right now. The Lord has made it so clear for the past 6 months that this is where He is calling me next year. He has heavy ladened my heart with deep deep conviction and called me out of sin to refine me and renew me and build me up for this adventure. He has broken down walls and built up humility. He has spoken softly in a whisper and screamed loudly like a stopping train. God is calling me out – commissioning me to be your representative in places where the gospel is needed most.
How is God working in your heart? I would love more than anything for you to come along side me and join me in this journey. To be a part of my support team financially. My goal is reachable, but it's only obtainable with your support :] And while you pray through that, I'll be praying through this:
"Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all thingsT) need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
"And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
– Philippians 4: 11-13, 19
