Daily Devo

Everything Will Be Okay

By: Gina Welsh

Wednesday, October 30, 2024

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29

This verse has more meaning than ever after taking "The footsteps of Paul" trip with our church. 80 of us visited Greece, Turkey, and Rome, and we stopped at various sites where Paul taught, preached, and defended the faith. Unlike us, Paul wasn't on a spiritual tour, he was imprisoned, stoned, beaten, and shipwrecked for his faith! (Acts 14:19, 2 Corinthians 11:25)

Before he became an Apostle, Paul was known as Saul. He was a persecutor of Christians, and the early church was afraid of him (Acts 8:3). Saul thought he was going the right way until God redirected his life. When he met Jesus, God made everything new including his name (Acts 9). Paul completely surrendered to God and exchanged his old ways for the new life God offered. But Paul's new life wasn't easy; as a matter of fact, most of it was extremely difficult.

Paul's faith in God's sovereignty and His calling apply to us today. Each of us were going the wrong direction until we met God. Like Saul, after meeting God, our life changed... we started going a different way—God's way. Our story of redemption may not be as dramatic as Paul's, but we all have a unique salvation story. God intends for us to know Him and to have a personal relationship with Him. God also wants our relationship to spill out into culture and make others hungry to know Him too.

To become God's useful, faithful, and effective servants we must trust Him. We must also believe that He is at work in us every day, in every way. Each morning, expect God to show you new mercies, no matter what problems your day may bring. In faith, remember what God's Word says: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

We know Paul and Silas sang praises to God in prison, but we can only praise God in our trials when our faith is deep rooted. In your next trial, remember that God is working everything for your good. As Romans 8:28 says, when we love God, He will call us according to His purpose and transform us into the image of His Son!