“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters… What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans
This passage captures such an amazing set of kingdom realities that cause my heart to soar. First, is how ingenious and capable our Heavenly Father is. He is committed to causing every situation in our lives to be woven into a tapestry of goodness. Even the trials, weaknesses, setbacks and sufferings become fertilizer for a richer soil in our hearts. Wow!
The second is that His overarching and unchanging plan is to conform each of His sons and daughters into the perfect image of Jesus. One day soon we will be like Him. Amazing!
Third, we now have offered to us, by God’s grace in Christ, a secure attachment bond of love with the Trinity that is constant and immutable. God is not only with us, but He is always and forever for us. Too many sincere people have a fear bond with God at a preconscious part of their beings. This traps them in insecurity. However, God’s Spirit is eager to displace this core level fear with a warm and deep relational two-way attachment of love (Heb. hesed). One of the best ways of making this shift experientially is to practice gratitude to God for His goodness and kindness often, even continually. It only takes seconds to call something good to mind. Almost incredible!
Fourth, the Father freely gave us His very best when we were yet at odds with Him. Why would He, or could He, withhold anything we truly need to live the abundant life Jesus promised us now that we are His beloved children and His junior partners in the kingdom?
When I was a young believer, I somehow picked up an unspoken sentiment that since God gave Jesus for me, I really shouldn’t ask for or expect anything else from Him. To do so seemed to be quite selfish on my part. But our good and great Father has something much better in His heart for us. He actually enjoys it when we boldly ask Him for the things we need to live well and fully alive for the honor of His glorious Son.
Let’s not allow false humility that is fueled by a veiled cowardice keep us from anything our Father wants to provide for us. I believe this more clear perspective on God’s generous nature can greatly help us to trust Him more, which is so essential to living out our friendship and grand adventure with Him. Astounding!
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