Because those things are part of the “all things” in Romans 8.
Almost a month ago, my dear friend Carrie wrote a good summary of Bible truths for times of trial. (“Why does my bathroom smell like sewage?”) I’m thankful she shared what she was learning – God brought her article to my mind this morning when the furnace wouldn’t turn on. (It’s now 50 degrees inside, in the 20s outside, and Elizabeth is saying: ¡Las manos están frías! But we’ll be going to a super-heated grocery store soon...)
But the furnace malfunctioned just as I was thinking I was doing well with the fact that we still haven’t been able to figure out exactly why the clothes dryer hasn’t been working for almost two weeks – or even where to get a replacement heating element for it to begin troubleshooting, etc. And all of this is happening as we’re making a concerted effort to pay bills so we can start deputation as missionaries to Uruguay!
So, what is God doing?!
As Carrie so aptly stated...
God has a purpose in this for me.
We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:28-29)
God wants me to be like His Son, Jesus. God wants me to be like His Son, Jesus! And I want to be like Him too! A smelly bathroom (and appliances that don’t work, etc.) are part of His plan to make me like Jesus.
Although He was a Son, [Jesus] learned obedience from the things which He suffered. (Hebrews 5:8)
Even Jesus learned through what He suffered. And so must I. I must learn to submit to – and even rejoice in – my God-ordained circumstances. They certainly come from God, my loving Father. So I will submit – and pray for the ability to rejoice!
One more thing: This God who teaches obedience through smelly bathrooms (and appliances that don’t work!) is infinitely kind. He purposes our likeness to Christ, and He stands ready to freely give us all things! Even the ability to rejoice in trials.
He also predestined [those who love God] to become conformed to the image of His Son... What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:29, 31, 32)
2 comments:
Praise the Lord - the furnace seems to be working again! JM came home from work during his lunch break, and together we tried to find the furnace's drain tube that suffered condensation build-up the last time we had furnace trouble (during an ice storm five or six years ago). I'd followed the technician down to the crawl space then to see what I could learn... (MKs can be like that!) At any rate, the indoor climate has significantly improved - and we're thankful! Above all, I'm thankful to the Lord for His love in taking this teachable moment with me! HE is good - all the time!
Glad things are warmed up! And aren't you thankful for the Lord's grace that allows us to listen to His teaching? There are so many hard hearts--and it is only God's grace that mine isn't one of them!
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