Bible Reading: Romans 8:28-39
Key
Verse: Verse 28 - "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
Key Words: to
them that love God
Just about every one of us can
quote Romans 8:28. I would venture to
say that, if it is not your favorite verse, it would certainly make your list
of favorite verses. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that
love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) This verse is often quoted when we go through
trials and adversities of life, but it is these trials and adversities that
make us “right.”
In the northeastern United States,
codfish are not only delectable, but they are also a big commercial
business. There is a market for eastern
cod all over, especially in sections of the Midwest
and West. But the public demand posed a
problem to those who were responsible for shipping the cod. At first they froze the fish, but the
freezing took away much of the flavor; so they experimented with shipping them
alive in tanks of seawater; but that proved to be worse than freezing
them. Not only was it more expensive,
the cod still lost its flavor and in addition became soft and mushy. The texture was seriously affected.
Finally, some creative soul solved
the problem in a most unique way. The
codfish were placed in a tank of seawater along with their natural enemy, the
catfish. From the time the cod left the
east coast until they arrived at their western destination, those ornery
catfish chased the cod all over the tank!
And you guessed it—when the cod arrived at the market they were as fresh
as when they were first caught.
Now, a question comes to mind: can you name some
catfish swimming in your tank? Maybe you
live with your catfish, or maybe you work with them on your job. I am convinced that every believer has at least
one catfish in his tank to keep him fresh for God’s enjoyment. Yes sir, Yes ma’am - all things do “work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."
What to do: ✞ Understand that not all rough times are negative. ✞ Understand that God allows things
into our lives to help us.
