God Did Not Promise Everything Will Work Out

 "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.  And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 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. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified." - Romans 8:26-30

God did not promise everything will work out - in this lifetime - but it will work for your good. Verse 28 is almost like a Christian mantra for when things are not going well in our lives. But before we get to verse 28, let's look at the verses that precede it. First, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. What kind of weakness? Spiritual weakness. He won't intercede when you struggle with wanting to eat another piece of pie. No, He is focused on your spiritual maturity, building and maintaining your new life and relationship with the Father.

"But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you." - John 14:26

The Father sent the Spirit after He had sent the Son - to teach us "spiritual" truth and "bear witness of Jesus" (John 15:26) Remember when Jesus told Peter that Peter's knowing who Jesus was - the Christ - was revealed to him by the Father (I think through the Spirit).

Second - there are things that we need to pray that we don't have the capacity to pray most probably because we lack spiritual discernment and maturity, but the Spirit knows our hearts and prays for us. According to the will of God. (Not my will but thy will be done)

Third - Now verse 28. The Bible does not promise that all things will work out - that we will be vindicated, spared from hurt or harm in this mortal life - although we may be. God has an eternal view. While we are on this planet, we are to live for the glory of God and the good of others. Our health, wealth, and other aspects of our lives are further down the list - maybe some of them don't even make the list. Is that OK for you? Being healthy, having money, having good relationships with others - being happy and comfortable that is not why you and I were saved.  There is an eternal purpose to salvation that supersedes the course of human events. The trouble is that life as we know it is the only reality we know. Only as the Spirit teaches as - as we grow in understanding and faith will we gain the proper perspective in this life.  

"now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.  If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account." - Philippians 1:20-24

That was Paul explaining his view on life and death. To live is Christ and to die is gain! How do you feel about that? Do you love God with all your heart, mind, soul and strength? Or maybe sometimes - or maybe you struggle with the "all" part.

The last part of the verses from Romans 8 - all that would receive Jesus - He predestined us to be  conformed or shaped to be like Jesus - everything about Jesus - God knew us before we were formed in the womb. And so we are the Called - justified and glorified. It's not just about 8:28, but that is what many people cling to as their source of hope. Everything will not work out, but everything in God's economy will work for our good. Saved by the blood of the Lamb!

Listen, it is hard to keep spiritual perspective when you are in the middle of a struggle asking God to get you out of it. I may over-quote songs. And I may over quote the over quotes, but I can't help it - they just appear in my mind's eye.

EVEN IF - Mercy Me

They say sometimes you win some. Sometimes you lose some 
It's easy to sing, When there's nothing to bring me down
But what will I say, When I'm held to the flame Like I am right now
I know You're able and I know You can
Save through the fire with Your mighty hand
But even if You don't My hope is You alone

Do you believe that? Can you say that? Can you pray that? Maybe it is one of those things that you need a little help from the Spirit with. My prayer for you along with Paul to the Ephesians is this -

"that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God." - Ephesian 3:17-19

Think about it – Pray about it – Believe it – Walk in it. Let your light shine and give God the glory.

By Faith Alone By His Grace Alone And For His Glory Alone