Want to know God?

First Baptist Church, Pleasant Grove

There are many things in this world that we simply do not know. We do not know a definitive cure for cancer. We do not know how to solve the problem of world hunger, the AIDS epidemic or the fragile global economy. We wonder if social security will be around for our children and we question whether or not gasoline prices will ever significantly decline. We do not even know which team will win the BCS national title. But even in the midst of enormous uncertainty, there is one thing we do know.

In Romans 8:28 we read a familiar sentence: “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.” The most important phrase in that verse is the two-word phrase “God works.” One thing we know is that our God works. The God who created the heavens and the earth in six days works. The God who preserved Noah and his family in the worldwide flood works. The God who stepped out of heaven and stepped into earth works. The God who died on a cross, was buried in a borrowed tomb and rose from the dead on the third day works.

This God works in all things, which means that our God works in the pleasant things and the painful things. He works in the comfortable things and the catastrophic things. There is no experience in life that is beyond our God’s ability to work for His glory. He works in the terrific things and even the terrible things.

This great verse goes on to say we know that God works in all things for the good of His people. This sweet promise of Scripture is not given to just anyone. This is a promise given to God’s people. Here God’s people are described as “those who love Him and have been called according to His purpose.”

Do you love the Lord? I am not asking if you like Him or occasionally call upon Him, but do you love Him and cling to Him? Do you know that you are here on purpose? You are not an accident and you are loved by the Lord, so know that our God works.