We have been looking at Romans 8:28: "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." Yesterday we saw that to be called was to be invited; but invited to what? The answer is found in the last phrase, "according to his purpose." "Purpose" means "a setting forth, presentation, an exposition, determination, plan, or will. It involves purpose, resolve, and design." This is the key to understanding this verse. God has a specific plan or design that He desires to bring about. Don't focus on you and what you may accomplish; instead, concentrate of His plan and purpose. Whatever part He has chosen you to play is the best part for you. Whether rich or poor; famous or not; brilliant or average, it does not matter because it is His plan not yours that matters.
The Barnes New Testament Commentary explains "purpose" as follows: " Hence it means, when applied to the mind, a plan or purpose of mind. It implies that God had a plan, or purpose, or intention, in regard to all who became Christians. They are not saved by chance or hap-hazard. God does not convert men without design; and his designs are not new, but are eternal. What he does, he always meant to do. What it is right for him to do, it was right always to intend to do. What God always meant to do, is his purpose or plan." We take comfort in the fact that God has a specific plan and that plan will work for our good when we love Him.
Today, we conclude looking at this verse. May it bring peace and comfort to you in troubled times.There is a plan, a perfect plan. The secondary causes God uses to bring about that plan sometimes look like they don't make sense. However, simply trust Him because He knows best.
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