Loyal Soul

12/18/2020

Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God.”

Suffering is part of every earthly journey. No one escapes it, nor can they avoid it. Suffering is just a fact of life. This was not the way God intended for the existence of His creation, but we are sinful creatures and do not obey Him as we should. Human connection was all but broken with Almighty God until the Atoning sacrifice of Jesus reconnected us to Him. Redemption is a gift that is freely given through the most profound act of love that there has ever been.

Right now, we are all experiencing a collective trauma globally. I know I have prayed and prayed for a miracle, but that has not come. So, knowing that God is allowing this to occur, I now pray for the lessons He wants me to learn to be branded on my heart and soul – that this time will be one of growth not just for me, but for all people. I pray that we will remember to count every blessing and forevermore lead with love and kindness; that money, career advancement, and possessions will become less of a focus than our loved ones and neighbors; that we will look at all people, regardless of perceived differences, as beloved children of the Most High; that we can get past our differences and the ugly divisiveness to walk the walk, and actually live in accordance with the teachings and model of our Savior; that, as believers, we will shed all judgement of others and boldly share the Good News of the Gospel.

Even though God allows suffering in our lives, He, as the verse above states, always works things together for good. It may not be the “good” that we think is best for us, but it is always the perfect will of God. We must trust Him in all circumstances, no matter how frightened, fragile, or frail we may feel.  Like Paul, we must learn to be content in all, no matter the situation we find ourselves in, for God is always with us. Chambers writes, “It is only the loyal soul who believes that God engineers circumstances.” When I keep going to God with all that is on my heart and trust in Him completely, I may not immediately see what He is doing, but I eventually will. I will also be able to see that His timing is always perfect, even if I am experiencing an extended time of silence and waiting. These are the times He is refining me, and for that I am so very grateful. This refining is also working things together for good. Being loyal in faith to Jesus Christ is my purpose no matter what, for He saved my soul. I need to keep my heart, mind and soul set on Him and be willing to have Him use everything I am and everything I have experienced for His honor and glory.