Work for Good
We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28, RSV
Last Sunday, the Epistle reading included the above verse from Romans. One of the chief ways God works to bring good into people’s lives is through the community of faith, the fellowship of the saints and the Church. We listen to one another, we pray for one another and we support and help one another. As a priest, I hear reports of this all the time: “I’ve been through a rough time; I don’t know how I could have made it without my Sunday School class.” And in these strange times, I have heard it more than once: “There were times I didn’t think I could get through this, but my friends from church wouldn’t let me get down for too long.” One way God is helping all things work for good for those who love Him is to work
through
those who love Him.
I wish I could tell you that God makes life easy for those who love Him, but we all know that is simply not true. “Rain falls on the just and the unjust alike.” However, I can tell you that in all things, God is working for good. Sometimes we face a difficult experience and it makes us stronger or more understanding. I know these crazy COVID days have given me a new appreciation for family and friends, and especially for my church. Like many of you, these days have deepened my appreciation for the freedom to worship and serve the community of faith. I truly miss gathering in person, but at the same time, these days have strengthened my reliance on the promises of God to be with us always. Mortal beings that we are, we cannot know all of God’s plan and purpose, but we do know this: Life may be hard, but God is good and each of us has the opportunity to share in God’s good work.
