You Can't Lose!
Doubtless, you have been around long enough to know that life gets pretty difficult at times. But when we know the Lord, we find that He has made some wonderful provisions for times of difficulty.
Read two verses in the eighth chapter of the Book of Romans. First, in verse 26, notice this phrase: For we know not what we should pray for as we ought. And then, in verse 28 (a more familiar verse), we read: And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. In verse 26, we are told of something we do not know. There are times when we are confused. We are not sure just how we should pray and for what we should pray. But even though we may be uncertain, we need not fear, for in verse 28, we are told what we do know. Regardless of our circumstances, the true believer can say I know all things work together for good. The words all th ings here, while including circumstances of prosperity, have special reference to adversity. Troubles never hinder Christian progress. They only further the designs of God’s grace. God has an unalterable purpose for those who love Him. Even Satan cannot destroy the purposes of God. This is why we can say we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. We do not always understand God’s ways, but this is no indication that they are not for our good.
Someone has told of the incident of a young woman who consecrated herself to the work of Christian missions and wanted to go to India. But, before she went, an accident disabled her mother and the journey had to be postponed. For three years, she ministered to her mother until the mother died. The mother’s last request was that the daughter should go and visit her sick sister in the far west. She went, intending to sail for India immediately upon her return. But she found the sister dying of a lingering illness and without proper attention. Once more, she helped and waited until the end came. Again, her face was turned eastward when her sister’s husband suddenly died and five young children had no one to care for them. After assuming this new responsibility, the girl wrote to a friend, “This lonely household is my mission field.” She was gre atly disappointed at not being able to go to India, but she cheerfully submitted to the will of God and set herself with loving devotion to a mother’s task. Fifteen years were devoted to the children. In the year of her 45th birthday, God showed her the mystery of her unanswered prayers. He revealed to her why He had held her back from India as she laid her hand in blessing on three of these young people whom she had mothered, as they prepared to sail to India as missionaries.
Her broken plan had been replaced by a better one. She could not go, but three went in her place. Three hundred percent interest for 20 years. That’s a remarkable investment, isn’t it? Well, this is the way God works. This is why the Lord Jesus said, in Mark 11:22, Have faith in God. Do not for a moment permit yourself to be moved by your circumstances. Have faith in God . . . for we know that all things work together for good to them that love God. Some have said, “Where there’s a will there’s a way.” But the believer ought to say “Where there is God’s will there is a way.” If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, following Him day by day, you have nothing to fear. The future may look dismal and dark, but remember this one thing: In Christ, 22all things (not some things, but all things) work together for good to them that love God.
The Lord is not saying that all things are good. Believers are confronted by tragedies. But, because of the sovereign power of God, even the tragedies are thrust into the divine mold to produce blessings. It is thrilling to know that, though we frail humans fail and make mistakes, God never fails; nor does He make any mistakes. Solomon declared of the Lord that there hath not failed one word of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of Moses his servant (1 Kings 8:56).
You and I can declare the same thing. One thing God cannot do is fail His people. This is hard to understand when you are in the midst of a severe trial. But it’s true. In times past, you’ve had other trials. Was God faithful to you then? Surely, He was. Do you think He will be unfaithful now? Certainly not. He knows your circumstances. He knows what you need and you can be sure that He will supply at His appointed time.
Years ago, George Mueller, one of England’s great Christians, established an orphanage. He was a mighty man of prayer. At times, there were insufficient funds to carry on. One day, as he sat down with the children for their meal, he explained that they had no milk for their cereal; but he asked them to go right ahead and thank God for the milk because he had confidence that their Heavenly Father knew their need and would provide. With trusting and grateful hearts, they bowed in prayer, and while they were thanking God for what they did not yet have, a milkman knocked at the door. He explained that his milk wagon had broken down and that he had to dispose of the milk. Then he asked Mr. Mueller if he would take the load of milk off his hands.
God does provide if we are in a right relationship to Him. He may not give us what we think we need, but He does promise to give us what we actually need. He says in a wonderful verse which has meant so much to God’s people, But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). What does this say God will supply? All your need. Let’s think of Romans 8:28 in connection with this. And we know that all things work together for good . . . My God shall supply all your need. What more do we need than what God has told us in these two verses?
Again I say, this does not eliminate problems, trials, and adversity. But in it all, we are sure that all these things are working together for good and God will supply. Trust Him. Believe Him.
And if you are not a Christian, turn to Him. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be saved right now, and these promises will become yours immediately. God is waiting. Will you turn to Him? Tell Him so, in your own words.
J. Allen Blair
From Dr. Blair's memory verse file:
That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised Him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation (Romans 10:8,10).
God’s Wonderful Grace
Dr. J. Allen Blair
The message of grace presented throughout the Scriptures amazes me. As I consider the all-sufficiency of this grace to reach fallen humanity, my heart rejoices in God’s goodness. I read, in 1 John 4:19, that we love Him because He first loved us. What a marvelous truth, He first loved us! This is grace, my dear friend. I can understand how God would respond to the earnest, sincere, seeking heart. But when I consider His grace that reaches out to rebellious, stubborn, indifferent, inconsiderate humanity, I am astounded!
For example, I am amazed when I think of God’s grace in speaking to a man such as the ruthless Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. Acts 9: 1,2 tells of his perversion. And Saul, yet breathing out threatenings and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went unto the high priest, and desired of him letters to Damascus to the synagogues, that if he found any of this way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound unto Jerusalem. You see, Saul hated Christians and used all of his authority and power to thrust them into prison. What grace that God should reach out to a man like this who deserved to experience in his own life what he did by way of punishment to others. Acts 9:6 tells of Saul's conversion, And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do .
This grace is still available through Him. Either you will die as a child of God to join Christ in heaven, or you will die as a child of Satan to be separated from Christ eternally in hell. Repent and turn from your sin to the living Christ and say, “Lord Jesus, I am sorry for my sins, but I claim you as my Lord.”
WCHR LISTENERS
For listeners in the greater Trenton, NJ area: Beginning March 1st, 2006, Glad Tidings moves to a new time! Listen at 1:15 p.m., then again at the usual time of 11:15 p.m. Additionally, look or rather listen for a power boost in June 2006, which will greatly improve the signal for our listeners to WCHR. Praise the Lord!
I will sing unto the LORD, because he hath dealt bountifully with me (Psalm 13:6).