Tuesday of Rogationtide
Posted on May 7, 2024 by under
Scripture: Romans 8:24-28 (NKJV)
8:24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
26 Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God.
28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Devotion
Romans 8:28 is a favorite passage of many. It is also one of the most misused. “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” This passage has become a kind of religious “happy pill.” It often serves as a quick fix to numb the problem. We’re trying to take away the pain and give ourselves, or someone we know, a little respite.
Let’s be clear: pain and tragedy are not good. There is nothing good about a child dying or a spouse contracting cancer. And it hurts when someone hears words that pretend or imply that such trials are good. But God is there to work the bumps and the potholes. He often doesn’t eliminate them, but He does use them. God certainly knows we’ve made a shambles of things. We’ve inherited a mess and we’ve contributed to the mess. But for the Christian, even walking through the minefield of life can be a tool in the hands of an omniscient and omnipotent God. He knows what is coming and He knows how best to use it.
He knows there’s going to be sickness, pain, and death. Those things are unavoidable. But with God, there’s no such thing as a surprise. Everything God sees is an opportunity to shepherd His chosen. He’s like the guy who searches through trash cans and junkyards and sees something nobody else can. God does indeed work all things together for the good of His chosen.
Collect: Grant, we beseech Thee, O almighty God, that we, who in our affliction put our trust in Thy mercy, may ever be defended by Thy protection against all adversity; through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end.. Amen.
Collect for Rogate Sunday
O God, from Whom all good things do come: Grant to us Thy humble servants, that by Thy holy inspiration we may think those things that be right and by Thy merciful guiding may perform the same; through Jesus Christ, Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee and the Holy Ghost, ever One God, world without end. Amen.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
