EVERY SINGLE THING
Carey Madding
Today's Scripture: “If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.” Romans 8:11, ESV
Theme: Every single thing will work out for us in the end, and for all eternity, if we only believe in Jesus.
AUDACIOUS
The theme for the day is a bit over the top, don’t you think? Every. Single. Thing. This life of mine has tons of mistakes, accidents, and uncomfortable situations, none of which I consider to be good and perfect. And for many of us, there are much darker things: abuse, mental illness, death, grief, poverty. It seems that if we say, “All things work together” (even though that is surely in the Bible), we are just wearing rose-colored glasses and spouting false optimism.
WHEN THE HEAVENS ARE HARD
In Psalm 28:1, King David wrote, “To You, O Lord, I call; My rock, do not be deaf to me, for if You are silent to me, I will become like those who go down to the pit.” When we are in the dark night of the soul, it can seem that God does not hear us. Then I remember Jesus on the Cross: “About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, ‘Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?’ (which means ‘My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?)” (Matthew 27:46, NIV). Even Jesus felt God wasn’t listening and God’s face was turned away from His pain.
UNIMAGINABLE VICTORY
Because Jesus continued to submit and trust God completely, even in His agony, God brought glory and victory out of pain and suffering. No matter what is happening, or what we are going through, God is able to save us completely. And in eternity, there will be no pain, no abuse, or addiction. There will be no hurtful words, poverty, injustice, or grief. Every single thing we have suffered will be redeemed. If we were abused or mistreated for the cause of Christ, it will be rewarded. If we spend our lives on the poor and needy, we will be repaid!
NOW OR LATER
The same Spirit who raised Christ will give life to my mortal body when it no longer lives here on earth. I can trust God now; the Spirit can empower me now; and I can live an abundant life, no matter what, because of this victory. It is hard, but my job is to continue to submit, call out to God, and trust Him completely. He is the Way maker and the Resurrection Power. So, keep trusting, believing, maybe even singing: “Every little thing is gonna be alright” (Bob Marley), whether that happens now or later.
Make It Personal: There are some heavy burdens in our lives. Allow yourself to feel them and grieve your situation. Don’t be flippant, because we know we are really hurting. But don’t forget that Jesus completely understands. He cares for you, and He is interceding for your right now, with the help of the Spirit, in the throne room of heaven. He is with you. Cast all your cares on Him (1 Peter 5:7).
Pray: God, this is hard: this worry, this grief, this relationship. The things that keep me up at night and cause me to fear what is ahead? I want to give them to You, trusting You can bring something good out of evil and suffering. Help me to submit; help me to continue to trust You. I know You will not leave me. Help me to continue to seek and feel Your presence. In Your mighty Name I pray. Amen.
Read: Philippians 4:1, 4, 6-7; 1 Peter 5:6-7; Matthew 28:20
Weekly Memory Verse: “But the angel said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay.’” Matthew 28:5-6, ESV