FRIDAY

Romans 8:28

As we come to the end of the week, let’s return again to the Key Verse that we began the week with. “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” (Romans 8:28). Having now had the opportunity to think more deeply about the key text for this week, how does this passage speak more richly about what it means that in all things God works for the good? Noticing that the text does not say that all things are good or are a part of God’s plan for us, but rather that God works in the midst of whatever the things are for good, what are some of the ways this passage gives you hope and comfort in the midst of things that are just plain hard, unjust, tragic, or unfair? How do you see God’s character more clearly revealed?

• What are the growing edges for you as you think about what it means to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, knowing God is present with us even in the midst of things that are not going well and do not reflect what God most wants for our world?

• What hope do you find in knowing that the messiness of what we may find ourselves in is not an indication that God has left or abandoned us?

• What questions do you have, or struggle with the most, when it comes to how we can interact with the world around us in a way that genuinely reflects the love and grace of God and has genuine hope for the future?

• Can you think of ways that God has been able to bring healing (or some other kind of “good”) out of a situation or set of circumstances that clearly were not good? Do you find a distinction between what God has planned and what God has graciously done in response to things that are not a part of God’s plan? Explain.

• As you think back over your reflections this week, what do you sense God inviting you to consider, more fully embrace, or perhaps is nudging you towards?

As you prepare for Sabbath, or perhaps have already entered into that experience, take a few moments to share with God what is on your mind and heart from your reflections this week.

Passages for further reflection: Genesis 50:20; Ruth 1:1-18; 2 Corinthians 1:3-4; and of course, all of Romans 8