Recent Devotionals

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...to be conformed to the image of His Son. (Romans 8:28,29)

When I became a Christian, there was one overwhelming truth that took so much pressure off the choices I made: Everything that happens in life has been filtered through the loving hands of my heavenly Father.

I use to believe that I was in control of my circumstances. I was the one causing the good and the bad in my life. And when faced with a crisis, I would cry out to God for help and wonder why He allowed this trial to happen. But I discovered God allows everything we go through for a higher purpose. And that purpose is to be conformed into the likeness of His Son (Rom 8:29).

Proverbs says, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps” (16:9). It’s not that the choices we make don’t matter—they do. And it’s not that we are puppets with no say—we’re not. But somehow, in God’s mysterious ways, He incorporates our choices into His ultimate plan.

God is like an invisible Coach; He wants us to make the right moves but sometimes we don’t. And when we don’t, He may change the flow of the game in order to work around our choices. No matter what moves we make, with God as Coach, you will win the game (becoming like Christ).

The idea that God ordains (causes or allows) everything that comes to us is profoundly life-changing. If we believe that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Romans 8:38-39), why do we worry? Would it not be better to live in gratitude for a divine Coach who promises us that He will work everything for good that comes into our life?

This one thing I know: I cannot play this game of life unless I read the Rule Book (the Bible). Like the athlete who trains to win, I need to spend time training to live the Christian life. I need to be on my knees in prayer and listening to the Coach, getting His instructions on how to play the game. I may not always follow His instructions as carefully as I should, but I know He will cause victory to be mine in the end.

Heavenly Father, Thank you that everything that comes into my life has been filtered through your loving hands—even the difficult times of life.