Have you ever been hit hard with something you weren’t at all expecting? Terrible news of some sort you never thought would affect you or those you love? Perhaps the unexpected death of a loved one, divorce of a family member, a personal job loss, a tragic accident, or an unforeseen diagnosis?
Even in those times, God is working on our behalf and will never leave us. He’s our hope and help. He comforts us when we’re weary, provides peace when we’re stressed, and gives us joy in our sorrow.
My husband and I went on a hike two weeks ago and returned home to devastating news. We notified family and friends and called upon them to pray over this situation. Their support and understanding brought comfort to our troubled hearts.
Two days later, during my quiet time with the Lord, I read Romans Chapter 8. When I finished, I reread verse 28.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
I said, “Yes, Lord. You are working for our good in this circumstance, and I thank You.”
Within a few hours, another hit came, which made what happened earlier even more devastating. That’s when Romans 8:26-27 came to life as I cried out to the Lord.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
Later that day, my husband quoted Romans 8:28 unaware I’d read that same scripture twice that morning. And that evening, as we streamed our mid-week service, our pastor shared the same verse. God was speaking to my heart and telling me that He was in control and working, even though I felt uncertain. How do I know this? His Word declares it. I love Him and He has called me, so He is working for good in my life and in others affected by this news.
Be encouraged knowing that even in our struggles, God is with us. He works even when we can’t see what He is doing. That’s where faith comes in. Faith to believe God is at work in our situation to fulfill his purpose in us.
We walk in faith and hope knowing God is at work. Even when we’re hit hard, He is with us because the Holy Spirit is in us. The Spirit pleads for me and He pleads for you. If you are struggling or hurting, please know God is working in all things.
Father, many of us have been hit hard with trials. But You, Lord, are at work in each of our situations and for this I thank You. I’m also grateful for the Holy Spirit who pleads for my needs according to Your will. I love you, Lord, and thank you for loving me. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
All scripture is from the New International Version (NIV).
Photo by Aliyah Jamous - Unsplash