Driven

Rom 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.”

Gen 45:4-8 So Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, please.” And they came near. And he said, “I am your brother, Joseph, whom you sold into Egypt. And now do not be distressed or angry with yourselves because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. For the famine has been in the land these two years, & there are yet five years in which there will be neither plowing nor harvest. And God sent me before you to preserve for you a remnant on earth, & to keep alive for you many survivors. So it was not you who sent me here, but God. He has made me a father to Pharaoh, & lord of all his house & ruler over all the land of Egypt.”

Gen 50:19-21 “But Joseph said to them, ‘Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive, as they are today. So do not fear; I will provide for you & your little ones.’ Thus he comforted them & spoke kindly to them.”

Matt 24:35 “Heaven & earth will pass away, but My Words will not pass away.”

Matt 10:28 “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear Him who can destroy both soul & body in hell.”

Phil 2:12-13 Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear & trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will & to work for His good pleasure.”

Phil 1:6 “And I am sure of this, that He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.”

Prov 16:4 “The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”

Part 6 of the series “Worldviews.” This message focuses on the fact that all Christians (all who are called) are driven by the purposes of God. Does that mean we are perfect, or that we will not face hardships? By no means. Can you remember the last time your day was completely a mess, where nothing went right? In days like that we tell others, “Nothing is going right today,” or “ When it rains it pours.” How many can relate to that? In it all, we are reminded by the Holy Spirit: Rom 8:28 “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” You ask, “All things?” The answer is consistent: Yes! All things work together (with a lot of other things) for our good. Who does this apply to? Can you share this text with your unbelieving family member? No. This promise is ONLY for God’s called out ones. What does that mean? Those who are called are called according to HIS purposes not ours. You were called for a reason, & that reason is that God partners with fallen man, fills them with His Spirit, & directs them to continue His work on the earth. How are you doing with His call in your life?