Sunday Catechism
Romans 8:29
For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers
A.W. Tozer once said:
When I understand that everything happening to me is to make me more Christlike, it resolves a great deal of worries.
EVERYTHING that is happening to Christians is to make us more Christlike. Nothing is excluded. Joy and pain. Peace and turmoil. Fullness and emptiness. Suffering and ease. People who love and care for me. And people who hurt or ignore me. Victories and viruses.
God Governs Every Detail.
Being aware that God is using EVERYTHING to make us more Christlike does make us less anxious. Our struggles, in Christ, are not God’s condemnation (Romans 8:1). God is ALWAYS for us (Romans 8:32). He designs ALL our circumstances for our everlasting good (Romans 8:28). EVERYTHING in our life can direct us to Christ. Indeed, it should.
Psalm 73:26
My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.
Whenever we feel annoyed or frustrated or angry, perhaps God is inviting us to examine our own hearts instead of focusing our attention outward. Perhaps our irritation is an invitation from the Lord to go deeper with Him. God may be doing something far more important and more lasting IN us than what is happening TO us.
And because God governs everything that comes across our paths, no experience is ever wasted. It can all be used to turn us to Christ because ultimately he works all things for good. Our difficult circumstances can cultivate a dependence on Christ. They will teach us to pray more fervently. They will give us the opportunity for ministry. Our successes can lead us to praise and thank God. To give him glory. To see our sin of pride and confess it. To learn humility by taking the low seat even in the limelight. Everything can be a stepping-stone to holiness.
“When we lose what is most dear to us on earth, we value our heavenly Father’s embrace even more.”