Romans 8:28 Part 2 God's Plan is Beneficial

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. Romans 8:28

In Part I, we looked at who God's promise of all things working out for good in Romans 8:28. The next four posts will look at four promises for those Christians who have a purpose from the Lord. Those four parts are:

1. God's Plan is Beneficial.

2. God's Plan is Active.

3. God's Plan is Inclusive.

4. God's Plan is Harmonious.

**Please note that these four points are from the book Spiritual Maturity by J. Oswald Sanders - you can find it here.

Now that we know the "who" of Romans 8:28, let’s look at the "what" – what does God promise in the beginning of this verse – I am amazed at how much richness is in just six words – “All things work together for good.”

All things work together for good.

Let’s first focus on “for good” right now. J. Oswald Sanders spends much time in this chapter about what “good” means. What do you think of when you think of a “good” day? I think of my kids behaving well – being loving to each other. I think of my house being clean (and staying clean) all day. I think of lovely weather – of doing something fun with my kids during the day with no conflict involved. I think of lovely family time after my husband arrives and a well cooked meal that was planned weeks ahead of time on my menu plan. I think of no money problems - no recession. No work stress in my husband's life. I think of no stress in family relationships. I think of serving God and all around me working harmoniously. Most of my “good” (if I were in charge of the universe, which thankfully I am not) surrounds lack of conflict, no work, ease, comfort, and pleasure.

I have heard it said that Christians from lower economic parts of our world who visit the US claim that US Christians are so impoverished in their spirituality due to the comforts we enjoy in our culture –comforts we grow to expect and subtly accept as being the norm for those who love and follow the Lord. This way of thinking is not how God views the concept of "good" in the lives of His children. We live in a culture that wants it and wants it now (which has led to the recession, but that's a topic for another posting another day).

Websters defines "good" in the following ways (I am not listing them all due to how many definitions there are for "good") - "possessing desirable qualities; adapted to answer the end designed; promoting success, welfare, or happiness; serviceable; useful; fit; excellent; admirable; commendable; not bad, corrupt, evil, noxious, offensive, or troublesome, etc."

In researching Romans 8:28, I have found two different Greek words for "good." One word is "kalos" - this is a good which is appearance related - "what is beautiful, or what looks good, outward goodness, outward beauty, surface good;" however, the Greek word used for "good" which Paul uses in Romans 8:28 is "agathon" - which means "good in the purest and truest sense." God is concerned with the inside - not the outside. He is creating an internal beauty that no easy life can create. God is working out His agathon - His good.

Paul, the writer of Romans suffered greatly. He spent much time in jail. He did not receive creature comforts while in jail. He had people who were seeking his end everywhere he went. 2 Timothy 2:10 says "Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory." He suffered and continued on so that more could know the plan of salvation - so more could know the Lord Jesus Christ as savior.

Paul also says in Phlippians 3:7-9 "But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith."

Paul knew full well what suffering meant. Yet, his seeing the Lord working out good in Paul's life - the fruit of Paul's ministry to others - he saw the Lord working out Paul's sufferings for good. I am sure that it took time. How do you think he felt the first time he went to jail? How do you think he felt the first time he heard someone was out to kill him due to his spreading the gospel? Yet, God equipped Paul through Paul's sufferings for the work God had for Paul to do. God had work in Paul's time (evangelizing then) and beyond Paul's time (the scriptures God wrote through Paul) which God prepared Paul to do.

God is preparing you for work He has for you to do. Now, each person's work is different. And God can grow you for multiple works during a trial. In my case, as I look back on the past 11 years since our first loss, I see how God has used suffering to grow my love for God and His Word. God has used my suffering to grow me to be a better mom (who is still in need of growth there and in process). God has used my suffering to reveal sin in my heart. God has used my suffering to pass on God's compassion to those who are hurting. God's purpose can cover multiple areas of your life for now and for down the road.

I encourage you today to seek out learning about God's agathon - His good. Ask the Lord to give you His comfort, His peace in this process of growing and learning. Look to the anchored hope that is only from the Lord. I pray that today you are able to see glimpses of that hope - that agathon - that good - He is working in your life.

I am praying for you. Have you memorized Romans 8:28 yet? Print it out - put it in your pocket - tape it to your bathroom mirror. Write "agathon" down and place it around your house - perhaps someone will inquire to its meaning and you can share about what you are learning about God's goodness today.

Romans 8:28 Part 1

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. Romans 8:28

Romans 8:28 is a verse I hear quoted frequently in the Christian community. When I ponder our past losses, I remember things friends said – dear friends – some who had not had a loss – and sometimes from friends who have had losses. It’s a cliché that often pops out of the mouth of caring sisters in Christ. “It was not God’s Will” – well, obviously it was not God’s Will for the baby to live; otherwise, it would have lived – sometimes I wanted to scream that in their face – obviously I did not and obviously they did not intend to say something that did not help me in my grief. I often encourage those who are grieving to continually give their friends grace. Overlook well meaning things people say that don't really help.

Yet God's Word is full of healing balm for your grieving soul. Romans 8:28 is full of the richness – of the fullness of God and His plan – His hope. Let’s look at it more closely today.

Before I break down this passage, let me reference a book that I just started reading with a group of ladies at church. It’s title is Spiritual Maturity by J. Oswald Sanders. Chapter one “The Overruling Providence of God” is where I am getting this content in regards to Romans 8:28. If you’d like to purchase a copy, I like to use Christianbook.com – here is the link for this book on their site.

First, let’s focus on the “who” of this verse. Who is it that things work out for the good? Is this something every person on earth can claim? This verse does not mean that everything works out for the good of everyone. No, it says “for the good of those who love him” and those “who have been called according to his purpose.”

“For the good of those who love him” shows us that those people who love God and are in relationship with God are those people whom this verse refers to. How do you know if you love God – if you are in relationship with God? Do you believe that God is holy? That He is the great creator? Do you believe that all humanity sins – that you sin – that you are not holy and that God cannot allow anything unholy into His presence? Do you believe that God sent His son, Jesus, to die for your sins – and that He raised on the 3^rd day because He has power over death? Have you asked Jesus to be the front center of your life? If so, you are a person who loves God. God loves and cares for His people.

Secondly – those “who have been called according to his purpose.” Being a child of God doesn’t just mean only that you are a child of God – God has a purpose for you being in His family. There is relationship. Now, suppose and earthly father is quite rich and has many children. Those children could, due to their earthly father’s bank account, sit around and have fun and do nothing; however, a loving father gives his children jobs to do - He gives them a purpose. God does this. Everything that occurs in life will eventually bring about the glory of God. He has given you a purpose – a job to do. If you are a child of God, He has a purpose and a plan for your life. Part of His purpose in my life has been to encourage women, especially women who have suffered the loss of babies in their lives. He equipped me for this purpose by allowing me to experience four losses. It takes time, but for His children, He eventually works out hardship for good. Claim that promise right now!

So, now we know who it is that claim the promise of Romans 8:28. If you are still wondering if this promise is for you, I encourage you to check out this site here to go through the plan of salvation. I encourage you to seek out a friend, a pastor, a church who is committed to the Bible as being God’s Word and to ask questions about becoming part of God’s family – accepting Christ as your Savior.

Next we will look at the first of four promises for those who are in God's Family - four points of hope which you can look towards in your grieving. Please know that your grieving is close to my heart and I am lifting you up to the Lord in your grieving. I encourage you to dig into His Word and to choose one verse to put around your house to focus on - if you'd like some examples, you can look at my posting on verses of hope here. And I encourage you to start memorizing Romans 8:28.

Press On

Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brothers, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:12-14

I am planning on writing more about this scripture later today; however, feel led to post the scripture, song and lyrics this morning before I head out with the kids.

I am praying for you in your grieving. I encourage you to spend time in His Word and in prayer with the Lord today.


Press On performed by Selah

When the valley is deep
When the mountain is steep
When the body is weary
When we stumble and fall

When the choices are hard
When we're battered and scarred
When we've spent our resources
When we've given our all

Chorus:
In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on

In Jesus' name, we press on
In Jesus' name, we press on
Dear Lord, with the prize
Clear before our eyes
We find the strength to press on
To press on

The Lifter of My Head

But you are a shield around me, O Lord; you bestow glory on me and lift up my head (Psalm 3:3).

There have been times that only the Words of the Lord are what lift my head. Are you finding your head down today? Look to the Lord. He is a shield around you. He will lift your head.

When King David wrote this Psalm, he was running away from his son Absolom who was trying to take the throne from King David.

Charles Spurgeon, a great English Pastor spoke on Psalm 3 in a sermon titled "The Treasury of David. You can find the entire text here.

Here is what Spurgeon says about Psalm 3:3

Verse 3. Here David avows his confidence in God. "Thou, O Lord, art a shield for me." The word in the original signifies more than a shield; it means a buckler round about, a protection which shall surround a man entirely, a shield above, beneath, around, without and within. Oh! what a shield is God for his people! He wards off the fiery darts of Satan from beneath, and the storms of trials from above, while, at the same instant, he speaks peace to the tempest within the breast. Thou art "my glory." David knew that though he was driven from his capital in contempt and scorn, he should yet return in triumph, and by faith he looks upon God as honouring and glorifying him. O for grace to see our future glory amid present shame! Indeed, there is a present glory in our afflictions, if we could but discern it; for it is no mean thing to have fellowship with Christ in his sufferings. David was honoured when he made the ascent of Olivet, weeping, with his head covered; for he was in all this made like unto his Lord. May we learn, in this respect, to glory in tribulations also! "And the lifter up of mine head"—thou shalt yet exalt me. Though I hang my head in sorrow, I shall very soon lift it up in joy and thanksgiving. What a divine trio of mercies is contained in this verse!—defence for the defenceless, glory for the despised, and joy for the comfortless. Verily we may well say, "there is none like the God of Jeshurun."

My prayer for you today is that you would know that the Lord is the shield for you and the lifter of your head. The following song touched my heart this past Sunday at church (wish I had a video of our church choir - they are amazing). I pray the song touches your heart. Remember - it's not your job to lift your head - look to the Lord - He is the true lifter of your head - you cannot do it in your own strength.

I am praying for you.

Nicole


Thou, Oh Lord by Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir

Thou, Oh Lord
Many are they increased that troubled me
Many are they that rise up against me
Many there be which say of my soul
There is no helpe for him in God

But thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

Repeat

I cried unto the Lord with my voice
And he heard me out of His holy hill
I laid me down and slept and awaked
For the Lord sustained, for he sustained me


Thou, oh Lord are a shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head
Thou, oh Lord are shield for me
My glory and the lifter of my head

Repeat Twice

A gift for healing

My friend Alice is a gifted artist. She has experienced the loss of a stillborn. You can read about her here. Out of her grief of loss of her daughter, Grace, she created a beautiful pencil drawing of Jesus rocking a baby in heaven. She then had a company take that artwork and create a beautiful pewter medallion. I recommend her artwork for you to buy for yourself or for you to send to a grieving friend. Her website main page is here. She also has beautiful art work for other occasions. The Lord has gifted her with great artistic talent along with a great heart for people and a great heart for the Lord to be glorified.

I've just noticed that there are variations on the artwork - there is one drawing with an African American baby. There is also a drawing that has twins in Jesus' arms. You can see them all here.

Books and Resources for loss

I have compiled a list of books (the descriptions are copied and pasted from Christianbook.com 's description. After each book description, I've added a short text with extra comments. All of these books have been helpful at ministering to me and I've heard positive comments from others as well.

Holding on to Hope by Nancy Guthrie
Description: Shunning platitudes and easy answers, Nancy Guthrie deals head-on with the issues experienced by those who are going through suffering and loss. Through lessons drawn from the story of Job in the Bible, and the experience of losing her infant daughter, Hope, Nancy gently challenges readers to embrace suffering as a means of discovering a more meaningful relationship with God. Holding On To Hope offers an uplifting perspective, not only for those experiencing monumental loss, but for anyone going through difficulty and failure. Ms. Guthrie's story of losing her daughter Hope is woven beautifully throughout, adding a richness and credibility lacking in most books on suffering. After finishing the manuscript, the author added an epilogue that deals with an additional devastating loss--the death of her infant son Gabriel who died of the same disease that took her daughter Hope.

This book is a wonderful resource for the person/couple who is wanting to find a Biblical way to deal with the grief of their loss. This book has been very comforting to me in how I handle my grief from a Biblical viewpoint. I highly recommend this to anyone wanting to dig into God’s Word to work through their grief in a Biblical way.

For Those Who Hurt by Charles R. Swindoll
Description: Swindoll offers you words of hope about the painful subject of suffering. His look at Scripture encourages you or others you know who are struggling with grief to look to the God of all comfort for the meaning behind painful circumstances. Full-color nature photography enhances the inspiring message of this thoughtful gift book. 48 pages, paper from Zondervan.

*This is a great book for anyone suffering a trial - not just for loss of a baby. Great little book to encourage someone hurting. The ministry I work with also uses this book to minister to women suffering infertility.

Losing You Too Soon by Bernadette Keaggy
Description: Five months into her first pregnancy, Bernadette Keaggy, wife of Christian musician Phil Keaggy gave birth to three beautiful sons, but tragically they were stillborn. The Keaggys' experience mirrors that of many who have experienced stillbirth or miscarriage and don't know where to turn for hope and healing. In this book, Bernadette writes with candor about the hurt and confusion that shook her, Phil, and their marriage as they dealt with the eventual loss of five babies. Her story does not offer simple solutions, but an example of finding the strength and courage to go on. Interspersed with the Keaggys' story is practical advice for dealing with and recovering from loss. Poignant letters from other couples reveal different facets of grief and coping. Many people who have experienced such a loss know how hard it is to find someone who can truly understand what they are going through. For such readers, or those who seek to comfort them, this book is a source of profound encouragement and a reminder that God promises grace and hope in the midst of even the deepest pain.

*This book is comforting to read how a Christian couple has dealt with their grief and trusting God in giving them children. It's not sold on Christianbook.com, but Amazon lists other sellers who sell it.

Safe in the Arms of Jesus: God’s Provision for the Death of Those Who Cannot Believe by Robert P. Lightner
Description: Writing with a father's tenderness and the confident knowledge of a Bible scholar, Dr. Lightner brings comfort to parents who grieve. He goes beyond words of consolation to the truth that brings peace, explaining God's provision for the death of little ones who were unable to believe, either because they were too young or because they were mentally disabled.

*This book is helpful for anyone who is wanting Biblical truth in the salvation of their baby.