Waste Not

“We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

All things work for good for those who love God. All things, whether they are perceived as blessings or as suffering, work for our good when we receive them from the Lord who is calling us according to his purpose, for his purpose is to save us, to redeem us in and by his great love.

We are told in the gospels that those who use faithfully the gifts entrusted to them are given greater blessings still. (Mt 25:14-30, Lk 19:11-27). Every blessing the Lord pours out upon me is an opportunity for me to see His great love and respond joyfully, with a heart full of gratitude. Each day there are a myriad of graces to receive and each one affords me another chance to glorify God, to both experience and proclaim His goodness.  Seeing the Lord’s goodness, I ought to call attention to it that others may see it as well, magnifying His great work.

Our trials too can be received as a gift from God. In Psalm 18 the psalmist praises God “who trained my hands for war, my arms to bend even a bow of bronze.” We live in a world in which we will face opposition, more and more our faith makes us the target of hostility. God does not leave us weak, helpless to respond to attack. He is even now, long has been, preparing us, strengthening us. Every trial, every obstacle, even small inconveniences are opportunities to grow in our ability to respond to suffering faithfully, to be strengthened for what lies ahead.

How do I respond to challenges, obstacles? Am I formed by them, do I allow them to be disciplines, training me for battle? When persecution comes will I be ready, able to respond faithfully?

Now is the time to prepare my heart, to make ready my soul for that day when I will be called upon to suffer for the sake of Jesus. A far greater Day is coming when I will stand before my Beloved and I desire to be found faithful on that Day. Now is the time to become the person He has called and created me to be, that I may stand before Him on that day, radiant in His love.

As we continue on this pilgrim journey, let us use well all that comes from the Lord, whether it be blessing or trial. In either one He is preparing us, giving us opportunities to bless Him and to grow into who He has made us to be. In blessings may we praise and glorify the Lord, in trials may we be strengthened, grow in faithfulness. There is nothing outside of God’s power, nothing lost in Him, nothing He cannot use for his purpose, His purpose which is always and in all things for our good.