The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "TRUSTING GOD" for Friday, 20 May 2016 with Scripture Romans 8:28-31

The Upper Room Daily Devotional from Nashville, Tennessee, United States "TRUSTING GOD" for Friday, 20 May 2016 with Scripture Romans 8:28 Furthermore, we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called in accordance with his purpose; 29 because those whom he knew in advance, he also determined in advance would be conformed to the pattern of his Son, so that he might be the firstborn among many brothers; 30 and those whom he thus determined in advance, he also called; and those whom he called, he also caused to be considered righteous; and those whom he caused to be considered righteous he also glorified!
31 What, then, are we to say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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“I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”[Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)]
I once worked as a department manager in a grocery store and became frustrated with my job. I felt that I was not receiving meaningful recognition for my work. As a result of this experience, I thought God might have been testing my faith to see if I would stand firm. Or maybe God was building my faith to help me be stronger or removing something that would limit my growth in the future or even harm me.
At times it is difficult to understand what God is doing in our lives. We may ask, “Why is this happening to me?” On the other hand, we can say, “I don’t know why this is happening, but I know I can trust God to give me what is best.” This is what I chose to do.
Now as I look back and think about how my life has turned out, I see God’s hand in the situation and realize that God has been with me and guided me throughout my life.
Such experiences are not pleasant, but God can use them to build our faith and make us stronger. Although we may not understand what God is doing in our lives, God is always faithful and wants what is best for us.
The Author: Paul E. Vander Wege (Iowa, USA)
Thought for the Day: God always wants what is best for me.
Prayer: Faithful God, build our faith and our trust in you. Amen.
Prayer focus: SOMEONE SEEKING A NEW JOB---------------------