And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son...
God’s purpose in your life—in the good times and the tough times—is for your life to reflect His image more and more!
Sometimes we read verse 28 and claim it as a promise that everything will turn out to be pleasant. And many times that’s God’s plan. But “good” doesn’t always mean “pleasant”. Verse 29 says the “good” that God is pursuing for our lives—what He is working all things together for—is that we become more like Jesus. He wants us to be “conformed to the image of His Son”.
Sometimes what’s most effective in making us more like Jesus is hardship, pain, sickness or suffering. To make something beautiful, sometimes you have to get rid of the rough edges.
Don’t forget that the verse says that hard times in your life will only make you more like Jesus if you love God through them and keep saying, “Your purpose in my life is best, Lord”.
If you’re going through tough times right now, don’t push God away. Rather, cling to Him and ask Him how you can grow to be more like Jesus through this.
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