"And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them." Romans 8:28 (NLT).
It says "everything". It’s very clear that this means that every single thing that happens in your life is for your own good when you love God. There are no exceptions to this law of life, that it maybe doesn’t apply in specific or extreme circumstances. No, there is no exception to this law as long as we love God.
I personally have found great comfort in this word of God through many trials and temptations. I often arm myself with this word to strengthen myself in my circumstances, so that I can overcome stress and worry in my life.
Tempted
One time I missed a lot of school, and the exam was less than a month away. I was strongly tempted to be stressed. I knew I was not ready. I remember sitting in my room, not knowing what to do. I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn’t see a way out.
I didn’t have any joy, peace or rest. I tried to study but couldn’t focus. That made me worry even more. I was stuck in this horrible circle that went on for days.
Then one day I was at a friend’s house, and saw this verse from Luke 12:31 (NLT) hanging on their wall:“ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.” It was like a light went on for me. It became so clear to me that I was not seeking the things that are above first, before the things down here on earth. I had allowed myself to be worried about school, and it had stolen my joy and peace.
Action
When I realised this, I knew I had to go to action and seek God’s kingdom above all else. And I experienced that God gave me all the things I needed! It wasn’t that all of a sudden I knew all of my schoolwork, or that I got great grades without working hard. But I had peace and I was able to focus on my studies.
It’s righteous to do your schoolwork or other work well, but you have to be on guard that these things do not steal your peace or joy.
Stress and worrying
Almost anything in life can cause us to worry or be stressed, and that again causes us to lose our joy and peace. But this is not the life God has called us to. Heavy thoughts of worry or stress come directly from Satan and we must drive them far away from our hearts if we want to follow Jesus.
We must look at any thought that comes up in our head to see where it comes from. A jealous thought, for example, always causes unrest. That’s how we know for sure it is from Satan and will only take our peace away! As soon as the thought comes, that is the moment we must cry out to God, and ask Him to destroy this thought before it grows into something much larger. (Hebrews 4:16.) It is very important that we overcome the thought as soon as we realise it is a bad thought, or else it can soon take over our reasoning, feelings and thought life.
In other words, we have to choose to do God’s will and not our own. That is what it means to actively love God as it says in Romans 8:28. Then, no matter the outcome of the situation, it always ends up for our best – it brings us closer to God’s purpose for us on earth.
Love for God
This verse in Luke 12:31 is a help for those who have a burning love for God and truly want to overcome sin. His purpose for us here on earth is that we become like Jesus. (Romans 8:29.) This means that we get rest, peace and joy in abundance, but this will only happen when we say No to all thoughts of worry and stress.
Many things can seem difficult, and it can look like there are many good reasons to worry and be stressed. But God did not call us to be lazy people who wait for God to take care of all our needs while we sit back and do nothing. Absolutely not; we need to seek His kingdom above all else and love Him and His righteousness, then all these things shall be given to us and all things will work towards our good.
I praise God for this promise and truth, and I encourage everyone who reads this to try it in your own life. God is true to His word!