“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.” Romans 8:28, ESV.
Paul, about to be executed in Rome, writes the church he planted in Rome. Paul uses the above five powerful words of how God, our Savior Jesus Christ, loves us so much that He gives us strength even through persecution, ostracism, various trials, illness, etc.
Paul shares that Jesus Christ knew us before we were born (foreknew) and desired (predestined) that we serve Him with our whole heart and life. He asks us to follow (called) Him as our Lord and Savior. When we decide to follow, He then makes us right (justifies) and ultimately, He provides (glorifies) us with a place of eternal blessings so we can be by His side with a new home.
My journey began when I was a young boy but solidified on one night when I was about to turn 19 years old. I remember that night like it was yesterday.
I was driving back to college when I came upon a very bad car accident. Several cars were involved. I remember seeing several injured people laying on the ground. I also remember vividly a few people helping people on the ground.
Also, I remember like it was yesterday someone waving their hand then asking me to help. What was my response? I drove on without saying a word.
I don’t remember how far I drove but then a Bible passage that I learned in my pre-teen years popped into my head. That Scripture passage says,
“We love because he first loved us. If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (I John 4:19-20)
That was the moment that I said to my Savior and King, the Lord Jesus, God incarnate, “You, Lord Jesus, I will follow You to ends of the earth, and no longer will my life center around my own needs, trials, illnesses, etc.”
What more could I do but to give my whole self, ambitions no longer mine, and service forevermore be to advance HIS Kingdom.
Sure, there have been tough times during the past 50 years. BUT, He is worthy of all no matter what we might face!!!