Glory!

Text: Romans 8:28-30

Theme: God has an incredible plan for his children.

Key verses: “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. For God knew his people in advance, and he choose them to become like his Son…And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory” (v. 28-30).

What God said to me: Dwayne, my child, these are some of the most important and pertinent verses in all the Bible. Everything about who you are and why you are here and about my children in general springs from the truths presented here. Let’s walk through them together: 1) Paul says, “we know.” What if you didn’t know? And how do you know? What gives you assurance that what he is sharing is accurate truth you can build your life and hope on? It’s true because I said it is true, and my Spirit bears witness inside of you to confirm these truths. Otherwise, you would go through your entire life wondering if I love you, if your life matters, and if you are heading in the right direction and will have a successful ending. But instead, you know. Don’t take such calming assurance for granted. 2) I can cause anything. I am in charge. These aren’t just words on a page and wishful thinking from some dreamer preacher guy. I am powerful and able to “cause everything to work together.” You serve a mighty God. Don’t forget that. 3) All things work together for your good. That is because I am a good and loving Father. I want only what is good for you. 4) Good only works out if you love me and are called according to my purpose for you. There is a contingency here. You have to be in my kingdom and loving and serving me as my child. People outside my will can’t claim such a powerful promise as this. Everything that happens to you isn’t good. I don’t even see evil things as “good.” They are evil. I didn’t cause them, and I don’t approve of them. Yet, in the fallen world where you live, evil happens. But take heart! I have overcome the world, and I can take what Satan meant for evil and turn it into something good–for you and for my glory. 5) I foreknew you before the foundation of the earth. You were in my mind and heart, and at the time I appointed, I formed you in your mother’s womb and brought you into this world. I began calling you and speaking to your heart when you were a very small child. I called you to be mine when you were only 6 years old. I have invested many hours and people into you–all in the effort to make you like my Son in your spiritual maturity and prosperity. (I am still working on you, by the way.) 6) I made you righteous in my sight, not from anything you have done, but only because of the blood my Son shed on the cross when he took your place. His blood has been applied to your life, and you now walk in forgiveness and freedom. I hold nothing against you. Your slate is clean because of the words my Son spoke to you. 7) Right-standing before the King of kings is a big deal. You aren’t going to hell. You will have an abundant life with me in the New Heavens and New Earth. You will literally share in my glory. In fact, I have already given you my glory because I have given you the Holy Spirit to live in and through you. Like living water, we flow out of you to help those around you on the earth. Only my anointing and glory can truly minister and bless and bring life to others. Ultimately, you will receive a new, glorified body and you will live and reign with me on high forever.

What I said to God: I am…speechless. I truly don’t know how to respond to this. Oh what grace and mercy the Father has bestowed on us that we should be called the children of God. Like the old song says,

Wonderful Grace, all sufficient for me, for even me.

Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,

All sufficient Grace for even me, for even me.

Broader than the scope of my transgressions,

Greater far than all my sin and shame,

O magnify the precious name of Jesus, praise His name!

Lari Goss