Romans 8:28 has been a personal favorite for many years.  In the past as I’ve heard and reflected upon this verse it has brought hope in troubled times- as if God were reminding me, Lisa, every day is not going to be a sunny day.  Some days will have clouds, and some will have rain, and thunder, and lightening.   A few days might even blizzards, or earthquakes, or tornadoes.  (You get the idea).  Today I am listening to the birds chirping their little love songs to God and feeling the faintest gentle breeze laced with a hint of honeysuckle.  Just a few days ago it was pouring rain, providing both a good day for a rainy photo and a reminder that every day and every circumstance isn’t going to feel good all of the time.

The rainy days remind me of this truth in Romans 8:28.  Let’s break it down in another translation of the Bible.

— AND  an extension of all that was said before it regarding the Holy Spirit who helps us in our times of trouble.

— WE KNOW  something that we are already familiar with and we can stand behind with confidence

— THAT ALL THINGS  that’s everything, all included (rain, sleet, hail, troubled relationships, illnesses, losses, new babies, broken trust)

— WORKS TOGETHER  partner with, join together, coordinate the work

— FOR GOOD  useful, honorable, excellent, pleasant

The rest of this verse talks about the conditions that need to be met in order for God to do this great work in our lives.  The conditions are that #1 we love God #2 we agree with and partner in His will and purpose for our lives.

Here are a few of my personal observations today.

First – God makes Himself and His truths known.  Sometime it feels like God is a mystery and His plans are a mystery.  But, the more time I spend with Him the more that uncertainty disappears and is replaced with confidence.  Spend time with Him! (HINT: This is not a “maybe consider it” kind of suggestion. This is a just make it happen kind of suggestion.)

Second – God is always at work.  John 5:17  He doesn’t even sleep!  This means, for example, I can trust that if my plane is delayed for a trip, I don’t have to have an emotional breakdown, God is working.  Trust Him!  Trust is hard, I know, but work at it.

Third – God is aware of the struggles and heartaches that I go through.  Those rainy days when I can’t go out and play. The losses that I grieve both big and small; job’s lost, physical abilities lost, people I love lost, broken dreams lost….  Receive the big hug that God is giving to you today, He knows what you are going through.

Forth – God desires us to be a player on His team.  In other words, He has chosen us to be His children who fulfill His purpose- which is to be His glory.  (Isaiah 43:7)  Be the best team player you can be.