For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. Romans 8:29-30
Ever feel like your needs are minimized? For me, the one thing that is real beyond doubt is my pain, my hurt, my grief — they are important to me because they are real. And they are important to me because they are even more important to God. He never minimizes the degree of my stress, or hurt to justify my circumstances, nor does he compare my needs with those of someone else — He has met me in the midst of wherever I find myself, in my hurt, in my confusion, in my pain. But I wonder too, are my needs a far stretch for God’s grace to reach? Oh, absolutely — His grace covers — His grace is more than enough for me.
But the trouble comes when the abundance of His grace meets my idea of my needs. This creates a rather interesting dialogue. So I pray to God to release me from this pain. He replies . . . “Mark, it may not seem good to you and I know it hurts, but this pain is creating in you a new compassion.” I then pray that God would change my circumstances. He replies . . . “Mark, you are indeed in quite a pinch, but remember who is still on the Throne, trust me, I know the plans I have for you!” So then I ask why it is I feel so condemned by others to which He replies . . . “Mark, man condemns, but I have set you free! Remember, I chose you, I pursued you, I ransomed you and my glory fills you every day!”
Lord Jesus, I realize you are at work within me. You are working diligently to conform me further to your image and it isn’t very pretty! I don’t always understand your ways, but I trust them! Your ways stretch beyond my sight. Thank you for sharing with me the end of this story . . . to be like you!
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
© 2012-2013 Mark Cruver. All rights reserved. This material may not be reproduced, displayed, modified or distributed without the express prior written permission of the copyright holder.