the "good" life

For some reason, I have the mentality that everything in life is going to or should be good and easy. Well, I am wrong. Thankfully, the Holy Spirit helped me this morning understand God's Word better and about this type of thinking. 

God never promised easy. He did however promise good (see Jeremiah 29:11 and Romans 8:28 at bottom), but what does that mean? Life doesn't always seem "good." 

I did  a little bit of research about this, and in my study Bible, the comment on Jeremiah 29:11 says, "this does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, and hardships, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion (Life Application Study Bible)." This makes sense because Jesus, the only perfect person to walk the earth suffered a torturous death on the cross.  

Moving on...

In Romans 8:28, again my study Bible said about the verse "this does not mean that all that happens to us is good. Evil is prevalent in our fallen world, but God is able to turn every circumstance around for our long-range good" (Life Application Study Bible).  

How true...evil seems to be ruling our world; just look around if you don't believe it. However, the powerful God that I serve is able to turn that into something greater for His glory. There is however one catch in Romans 8:28. It says that He will work all things for the good of those who love him and are His children. 

The ESV Study Bible says the following about Romans 8:28. "The "good" in this context does not refer to earthly comfort but conformity to Christ, closer fellowship with God, bearing good fruit for the Kingdom, and final glorification." 

One last quote - "God is not working to make us happy but to fulfill His purpose" (Life Application Study Bible). 

I'm clinging to the Romans 8:28 promise. How about you? 
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Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," says the LORD. "They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Romans 8:28 " 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."