BIBLE READING PLAN – DAY 3
In our readings this week, we’re focusing on the key idea from Exodus 1:
“Never forget how God came through in the past when you find yourself in a present struggle.” Today, we look at what Romans 8 says about that.
Reading: Romans 8:28-29
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Reflection:
Often we think the best thing for us is health, comfort, and prosperity. But God has something even better in mind. The ultimate good He is working out is transforming you to be like Jesus. And He’s going to use “all things” for that purpose.
- What is a past situation that didn’t feel good to go through at the time, but God used to transform you?
Reading: Romans 8:28-39
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. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. 31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33 Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34 Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36 As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Reflection
The Apostle Paul wants us to know God’s purpose is inevitable – it’s all set in motion, and nothing can stop it. Paul talks about our future in the past tense for those who are saved; he emphasizes how much we can count on it (vs. 30). So as we face a challenging situation or season in our life, we can be confident that God has a grip on us. In fact, we can be more than conquerors (vs. 37). We can be confident that God is using “all things” for our good to make us more like Jesus. We can stand, knowing nothing can stand against us (vs. 31). We can trust God, knowing He won’t hold anything back since He already gave us Jesus (vs. 32). This doesn’t mean we won’t face problems (vs. 35), but those problems won’t have the last say. Whatever you’re facing today and whatever you have yet to face, God is with you. Nothing can separate you from His love. Be confident that nothing can thwart His good plan for you.
- What’s a past situation that didn’t feel good to go through at the time, but God used to transform you?
- Which specific promise from Romans 8 do you need to hold onto right now?
- Is there a friend facing a tough time who you could pass that promise onto as well?
Reading: Romans 8:28-29
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Reflection:
It’s easy to be happy when everything is going good for us, right? When you’re getting great grades, when you’re playing really well on your sports team, or when you have the best friends you could ever have. When life is good and easy, it’s pretty easy for us to say ‘man, life is good! God has really blessed me!’ But what about when life isn’t going so great? When you get a bad grade on your math test, when you get moved out of the starting lineup, or your friends have been mean to you? Does that mean that God isn’t there anymore? No way! Just like it said in our bible reading today, God is always working for you! He is right there, helping you in your life and in whatever situation you’re in. He is always working for your good, even when things seem bad.
- Does God have a plan for you, even when things are hard?
- Is there a situation that you’re in right now that is hard? How can we know that God is helping us while we’re in a tough situation?
Focus Verse: 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. Romans 8:28
Devotional:
Often we think the best thing for us is health, comfort, and material things. But God has something even better in mind. The ultimate good He is working out is transforming you to be like Jesus. And He’s going to use “all things” for that purpose. In Romans 8:28 the Apostle Paul wants us to know God’s purpose is inevitable – it’s all set in motion, and nothing can stop it. We can be confident that God is using “all things” for our good to make us more like Jesus. Whatever you’re facing today and whatever you have yet to face, God is with you. Nothing can separate you from His love. Be confident that nothing can thwart His good plan for you.
- What’s a past situation that didn’t feel good to go through at the time, but God used to transform you?
- Which specific promise from Romans 8 do you need to hold onto right now?
- Is there a friend facing a tough time who you could pass that promise onto as well?
Focus Verse: 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. Romans 8:28
Devotional:
Often we think the best thing for us is health, comfort, and material things. But God has something even better in mind. The ultimate good He is working out is transforming you to be like Jesus. And He’s going to use “all things” for that purpose. In Romans 8:28 the Apostle Paul wants us to know God’s purpose is inevitable – it’s all set in motion, and nothing can stop it. We can be confident that God is using “all things” for our good to make us more like Jesus. Whatever you’re facing today and whatever you have yet to face, God is with you. Nothing can separate you from His love. Be confident that nothing can thwart His good plan for you.
- What’s a past situation that didn’t feel good to go through at the time, but God used to transform you?
- Which specific promise from Romans 8 do you need to hold onto right now?
- Is there a friend facing a tough time who you could pass that promise onto as well?
