BALANCE IN ALL THINGS
Many Christians know from memory Rom.8>28 NKJV
And we know that ALL THINGS work together for GOOD to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
One does not need a degree in English to know all things means all things (without exception), we believe God is sovereign and in total control of everything to do with our world, there are sure many things He has not created like the Covid-19 virus but has permitted this pandemic to go round the world for some reason.
Paul was talking to Believers here in Rom.8:28, we don’t specifically know what His purpose is at this time relative to the pandemic, but God wants to use it for our GOOD. His purpose for unbelievers may be different, as the Bible tells us “His ways and thoughts are different to His human creation. Our prayer must be that many millions of unbelievers around begin to be convicted of their sin and their need of a Saviour.
Sadly, many Christians may rattle off Rom. 8:28, and then in the next breath are complaining about how they have been effected by all the restrictions!!
SOME BELIEVERS NEED A GREATER REVELATION OF GOD’S SOVEREIGNTY
Another Scripture comes to mind and that is 1 Thess.5:18 NKJV
In EVERYTHING give thanks; for this is the WILL OF GOD in Christ Jesus for you.
Again we do not need a degree in English to understand that everything means everything (without exception), and yet if we are honest, we complain about the weather, the economy our government and the list goes on and on. If we look at the start of 1 Thess.5:18 it tells us very clearly to
Rejoice ALWAYS, pray without CEASING,
I have said all the above to emphasize the essential importance of maintaining BALANCE IN ALL THINGS WHEN IT COMES TO THE WORD OF GOD.
My readers know that I have had the privilege of teaching literally thousands of students around the world, and I am so happy that I am can be in regular contact with so many through social media.
Most of them often say “Opa (grandfather) how are you? how is your health?” My usual reply is, “I am doing well, the only struggle is the “aging process”.
Every time I write that I feel guilty because of the Paul’s words to be thankful in everything and that God is in total control.
“In everything give thanks”
“All things working together for good”.
A few days ago I read 1 Cor. 4:16 and this really helped me, I will present a number of translations for you.
AMP. N.T. Therefore we do not become discouraged (utterly spiritless, exhausted, and wearied out through fear). Though our outer man is [progressively] DECAYING AND WASTING AWAY yet our inner self is being [progressively] renewed day after day.
NKJV Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is PERISHING, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
NLT That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are DYING, our spirits are being renewed every day.
MESSAGE So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are FALLING APART ON US, ON THE INSIDEfalling where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace.
PASSION So no wonder we don’t give up. For even though our outer person GRADUALLY WEARS OUT, our inner being is renewed every single day.
Paul was simply stating a literal fact, our bodies are dying, decaying, perishing, falling apart, and wearing out, and that is not bad in itself, the day is coming when we shall receive a new body THAT WILL NEVER DIE.
What we need to do is when we state a fact (although the fact and information may be negative) about a matter. we are sure it is flowing out of a thankful heart.
That is why we must spend quality time in the presence of God every day, GIVING THANKS WITH A GRATEFUL HEART AND counting our blessings, naming them one by one, we must develop an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE 24/7.
I trust this simple thought will bless you today, it has sure encouraged me.
