Caveats.

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. Romans 8:28

Oh… the grace of God. This verse is quoted by most. Understood by fewer. There are caveats. 1: The person must LOVE God, not surface intellectual ascent – but REALLY from their heart and soul … love God. What real evidence is there in your life of your love for God? If you were to stand before Him and He revealed your heart – would He actually find love there for Him? 2: Are you ‘called’? To what? What is God’s purpose for you? Has God revealed why He created you? To what degree? Have you ever asked Him directly? Have you sat patiently and listened to the Holy Spirit? Did you write it down? Are you looking for your ‘purpose in Him’ every day? Are you aware of the ‘divine appointments’ He has lined up for you each day? Can you recognize them when they are happening?

Does this mean God can even use the severely hard trials in our lives? Severe sickness / a terminal cancer diagnosis? Betrayal? Loss of a spouse? Terrible accident? Death of a child? Undeserved suffering / incarceration / or being accused of things and lied about and your reputation destroyed? How much do you really trust God? Even after you have lost everything in this world? Is your faith still strong in God in the midst of these life devastating events? Do you really believe that His plan for you in eternity is more important than the current worldly troubles you are experiencing today?

I am reminded of an old saying, “You never know God is all you need… until He is all you’ve got.” Most of us never want to experience that kind of trial, but all those who are ‘called’ …will be ‘tested’. So many are sent into a ‘wilderness’ season to be tried and tested. It is in those times the intimate relationship with Him is forged. The harder the trial, the hotter the fire, the longer refining – the purer intimacy is produced – IF the individual continues their focus on Him. Most of the time we think that if everything is going well for an individual that they are somehow closer to God. This is a fallacy. Some of the ones closest to God are the ones currently facing and battling through the most severe life devastating trials.

What is currently going on in your life? Are you being challenged seemingly beyond your limits? How is your current relationship with Him? Is it going beyond just the cries for His help? Are you genuinely focused on what He wants? Or is it ALL about you? Have you learned yet – that it isn’t all about you? That you aren’t the center of the universe? That maybe, just maybe, God has a bigger plan for you – that you have no clue about? Are you willing to admit that to yourself? So then… are you asking Him to guide you in that path He has for you?

What really is our goal? Eternity with Him? Or our current comfort? How disciplined have you become to surrender to Him moment by moment? Are you listening for His instructions or are you still reacting to your emotions and feelings?

Father YOU are my Creator! Jesus … YOU guide our steps! Holy Spirit speak to us today!