As we prepare our hearts this Advent season, let us look at how God works for our good in all circumstances. As a babe in a manger, the Son of God came to save us from all the sins of this world. Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection teach us how God can turn a lost world into one full of hope and expectation. And, He continues to work in our lives in the same way. God works for our good when we put in our trust in Him.
“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 adopted Romans 8:28 as my life verse many years ago. Whenever I feel overwhelmed, I recite the verse, finding comfort within the words. I experience a hug from God in the message it contains. But, more than comfort, I remember all the ways God did work out things from my good when I put my trust in Him. Also, experiences prove the truth found in this promise of God. So, let’s explore some of those encounters with the good of God.
God Works in My Career
About fifteen years ago, I found the job of my dreams. This new job helped people and involved travels to other countries, which were the things I loved to do. But, after only a short while, the company experienced significant financial troubles that required layoffs. I was one of those laid off, and I felt devastated. I could not find another job, and after a year of searching, I began to think God had forgotten me. Still, I kept trusting Him as I prayed and recited this verse often. Then, out of the blue, I got a job offer in a different field. I loved this new field and finally retired from it a few years back. This career change was not something I would ever have thought of on my own but God works for good in my life. It was a gift from God for remaining faithful during those trying times.
Trusting God Works in the Moves
Another time I remember occurred shortly after the terror attacks of September 11. My husband worked for the government at the time, and the events caused his job to move to the Washington, D.C., area. The unexpected move became more difficult as my husband immediately began work in his new position. I was left alone with the children to sell and pack up the house. I flew up one weekend to go house hunting, but every house sold before we could put in our offer. Finally, I came home feeling overwhelmed. But, a few days later, our realtor called with news of the perfect house. We put in an offer sight unseen. We spent almost seven years in our new home and met wonderful friends. God works all the turmoil of this event into beautiful memories from our new circumstances.
God Works in the Tragic
Many people who follow me know the story of my son’s death when he was only nine days old. I did not think God could ever redeem this situation for my good because all I wanted was my son back. But, out of that darkness came my desire to serve God more fully by helping other children in need. So, we started a ministry to orphans that is still ongoing. Through it, we have helped hundreds of children have a better life. God works to change this terrible event into something beautiful for His benefit.
Seeing God in Family
And, these types of blessings extended out to my family, like the time when our youngest daughter struggled with becoming pregnant. Years of tests, doctors, and tears challenged her faith. I believed Romans 8:28 for her circumstances and covered her in prayers (as I do with my children daily). Finally, the good news of pregnancy arrived one Christmas. She gave birth to a beautiful daughter and bore a wonderful son later. Her joy was restored as God fulfilled His promise once again. God works in her life too.
Impact on Your Life
Do you have a life verse that reassures you during challenging times? Or do you have events in your life that you knew were from God works out things for your good? Looking back over our lives to see how God’s provided for us will help us keep moving forward when trials happen. So this Advent, take some time to remember how a baby in a manger changed the course of history. And that power and His promises can change our lives for the better too.
Prayer
“O sweet Child of Bethlehem, grant that we may share with all our hearts in this profound mystery of Christmas. Put into the hearts of men and women this peace for which they sometimes seek so desperately and which you alone can give to them. Help them to know one another better, and to live as brothers and sisters, children of the same Father. Reveal to them also your beauty, holiness, and purity. Awaken in their hearts love and gratitude for your infinite goodness. Join them all together in your love. And give us your heavenly peace. Amen.” Pope John XXIII
Do you need prayer? I would love to pray for you. Submit your prayer request on my website at https://yvonne-morgan.com/submit-your-prayer-request-here/
Grace and Peace to you,
Yvonne M. Morgan is a Christian #author, #blogger, and #speaker. #BibleGatewayPartner
Matthew 28:19 “Therefore, GO and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit.”
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What a great lesson here Ms. Yvonne. For too many years perhaps, but I think now it was the amount God had planned, I fought Him for control of my life. How much easier my life could have been had I simply surrendered to His will/plan and let Him work. Then again, I may not have gained what little wisdom I have had I not struggled to learn to trust Him as I did. Such an encouraging post ma’am. Thank you!
Thank you JD. I think you are not alone in this struggle. It takes a lot of faith to follow without knowing the destination. But, as I look back, I see how faithful He is when I trust. God bless.
God has placed many wonderful mentors in my life. Through those great people, I have learned how to draw closer to Him in every situation. I don’t have one life verse. My life verses change from day to day. 🙂 Thank you for this great message.
Praise the Lord for mentors. They do show us the way. Thanks Melissa. God bless and Merry Christmas
You’ve accomplished so many admirable goals during your lifetime, Yvonne. The most pleasing to the Lord are probably your faith, your trust in God’s ways, and your work with orphans all over the world. God bless you, sister!
Thanks Melinda. I hope my story encourages others to pray trust God in all circumstances and to make Him a priority in their lives too. God bless you sister and Merry Christmas
Your testimony is such an encouragement to others, including me, Yvonne.
Thank you for using your platform to faithfully share it,
Thanks Ava. We all have an incredible testimony that needs to be shared to encourage others. God bless and Merry Christmas.
Yvonne, I enjoyed hearing your stories of how the Lord has brought this verse to “life” in your experiences. We serve a good, good Father who works all things out to our good. God bless and Merry Christmas.
Thanks so much Karen. We do serve a good good Father. I am blessed. God bless and Merry Christmas
Amen to this. It can be so hard to trust God’s plan when we go through something really hard or painful, but later we can often see the immense good that came from the situation. This verse is powerful!
I find so much power and comfort in this verse and then when I look back at all God has done in my life. Thanks Jessica. God bless and Merry Christmas
God works in all. Wonderful message, Yvonne. Merry Christmas and God bless.
Merry Christmas