"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And He who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, in order that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called He also justified, and those whom He justified He also glorified."
(Romans 8:26-30 ESV)
Everyone concentrates on the part that says, 'for those who love God all things work together for good,'
That's what I used to put all the emphasis on too until God revealed more to me.
Just
after the part about it all working out for the good He then says that
we've been chosen to be to be conformed to the image of His Son.
One of the definitions of the word conform says this:
3.to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.
In order for God to conform us to Christ-likeness, He is going against our very nature to be sinful. It's a life-long, weary process. He doesn't put us through this without reason though. He loves us enough to save us from ourselves. He loves enough to make us into new creations.
A beautiful truth. But a hard one.
Here's another truth:
3.to be or become similar in form, nature, or character.
In order for God to conform us to Christ-likeness, He is going against our very nature to be sinful. It's a life-long, weary process. He doesn't put us through this without reason though. He loves us enough to save us from ourselves. He loves enough to make us into new creations.
A beautiful truth. But a hard one.
Here's another truth:
Being conformed to the image of Jesus is going to hurt.
A lot.
Our flesh and human reasoning are going to fight every step of the way and fights don't come with out pain.
And besides the fact that we are constantly battling ourselves,we also live in a fallen world.
Simply put, Life is hard here. Can I get an 'Amen!' on that?
Maybe that's where you are right now. From your point of view everything seems a little muddy and upside down. And it is painful. You know in your head that what God has planned for you is good but your heart is weary and aching. Life is out of your control. Nothing really makes sense and you wonder why everything working out for good just hurts.
A lot.
Our flesh and human reasoning are going to fight every step of the way and fights don't come with out pain.
And besides the fact that we are constantly battling ourselves,we also live in a fallen world.
Simply put, Life is hard here. Can I get an 'Amen!' on that?
Maybe that's where you are right now. From your point of view everything seems a little muddy and upside down. And it is painful. You know in your head that what God has planned for you is good but your heart is weary and aching. Life is out of your control. Nothing really makes sense and you wonder why everything working out for good just hurts.
And maybe now you're asking where the hope is? Where's is all of God's love when I can't feel it at all?
If that's you (and it will be at some point in your life) then keep reading.....
....to be continued.
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