Romans 8:28 and Jesus Culture

Romans 8:28 (Worldwide English (New Testament)

²⁸We know that God works out everything for the good of those who love him. They are the people who are part of his plan.

Sometimes I have a hard time believing that when I'm hurting, when I'm struggling, when I'm confused, broken, and feel like my life's not worth living...that God is essentially using it for His plan for me. And that it's not just part of life, but part of a plan that will eventually work out for the good.

I was talking to a good friend this weekend, and we were talking about how I've come through some really difficult times, things I'm glad are over, but that I've perservered through and now am stronger because of. She likes to tell me that if life is perfect for us, God will just put us on His shelf of people who aren't worth using. But that when we are broken and hurting, come through it and can help others because of it, that's when God is truly using us. She tells me this time after time, that I'm not meant to be put on a shelf, my purpose is to be used...and I know this, but I conflict with the fact that I must suffer in order to see the sun! That concept just really grates at me. So I go back to this song everytime, so that I can honestly grasp this -

Your Love Never Fails Lyrics

Nothing can separate
Even if I ran away
Your love never fails

I know I still make mistakes
But You have new mercies for me everyday
Your love never fails

You stay the same through the ages
Your love never changes
There maybe pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

And when the oceans rage
I don't have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Your love never fails

The wind is strong and the water's deep
But I'm not alone in these open seas
Cause Your love never fails

The chasm is far too wide
I never thought I'd reach the other side
But Your love never fails

You make all things work together for my good

So sometimes, I just sing to myself "there may be pain in the night, but joy comes in the morning" and "you make all things work together for my good" and the song will get stuck in my head! lol I love God's sense of humor..."she doesn't believe me, so I'll put this song in her head all day so she gets the hint!" It's a great song if you ever need reminder that God is so faithful, he doesn't forget us and never leaves us even when we're sad, screwing up, broken, hurting and feel alone. I love it.

Wow, do I convince myself or what? I come here to think things out and contemplate and try to understand my confusion...and I always end up just confirming my original thoughts! God is so good :)