Daily Devotionals

According to His Purpose

Posted in Parenting/Marriage

Scripture:  “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  

Whether it is reality or simply just the way it feels, (non-pandemic) death and tragedy have plagued our community more so than “normal” recently.  We have seen lives taken from those we love, and it has left hearts broken and spirits dampened.  There is always something significant to grieve over now, it seems.  

As a new father to a 10-month-old little girl, it is almost impossible not to wake up every morning with a sense of worry about what her day might bring.  Will she grab that cord I forgot to put away? Will she swallow that piece of dog food I forgot to sweep up? Or perhaps even worse, will something happen to her that is completely out of my control?  Having a daughter in the beginning stages of constant curiosity and wonder is not an easy time for a control freak like me.  

Years ago, I remember being told that worrying is a sin because it represents a lack of trust in God.  It was rather discouraging even then, as I knew I had a long life full of sin ahead of me, if that was indeed the case.  Regardless, the Bible instructs us, and God calls us, to place our trust in Him.  God does not tell us that trusting in his will is easy.  He doesn’t promise a life without worry, heartache, pain, sorrow, and unimaginable despair.  

I don’t have the right words to comfort the struggling parents, family members, and friends in our community experiencing gut-wrenching grief right now.  However, we have a God who promises us that he has a purpose, a God who works for the good of those who love him.  For every sorrowful moment we experience in this life, God has brought someone closer to him for the next.  For that, thanks be to God.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, we love you.  We know you are sovereign over every living thing, and that you have a purpose for each of us.  Even when it is most difficult to understand, help us trust in your will.  Comfort those who grieve this day and help us all be mindful of our responsibility to care for each other as members of your church.  In Jesus Christ your Son, we pray, Amen.  

Submitted by Peyton Bryant