In Romans 8 we read: 28. 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
I was pleasantly reminded this week that there are so many different ways in which God reveals messages to us in His word and how council with others helps you to just stop, take a step back and really look at things differently compared to how you always look at things. This was such a wonderful example this week when I asked my dad to look into today’s readings and let me know what he thought about it and he sent me Romans 8:28. No matter what the plans of man may be. God is working for the good.
Genesis 28
We read in Genesis 27 that Jacobs mother Rebekah was a manipulator and together with Jacob had stolen his brother Esau’s blessings. Jacob had learned well from his mother and tried his own manipulation on God. A great example of how God uses the plans and even manipulations of man for good!
20 Then Jacob made a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will watch over me on this journey I am taking and will give me food to eat and clothes to wear 21 so that I return safely to my father’s household, then the Lord will be my God
Matthew 27
An amazing example of how God can take the worst plans, deeds and wickedness of people and use them to accomplish his purposes, which are always good. The ultimate price paid by Jesus who was sacrificed for us so that we may be saved……shows the incredible lengths that God would and will go to for us who love Him, in order to get it done.
1 Early in the morning, all the chief priests and the elders of the people made their plans how to have Jesus executed.
62The next day, the one after Preparation Day, the chief priests and the Pharisees went to Pilate. 63“Sir,” they said, “we remember that while he was still alive that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64So give the order for the tomb to be made secure until the third day. Otherwise, his disciples may come and steal the body and tell the people that he has been raised from the dead. This last deception will be worse than the first.”
When we remember that all this is motivated by God’s love for us, it is mind boggling.
Esther 4
Evil plans are hatched to kill off all Gods people Israel
6 So Hathak went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king’s gate. 7Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.
God already had people and things in place to protect the Jews
Acts 27
Paul endured really harsh circumstances, for not only is he imprisoned after being falsely accused but has to endure a violent storm at sea while being transported to Italy
14Before very long, a wind of hurricane force, called the Northeaster, swept down from the island. 15The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
God allowed His servants (Jesus, Mordechai, Esther & Paul) to experience the harshest of circumstances and often the hatred of others in their service of Him. Despite devious plans, persecution, storms and the harshest of circumstances, God uses all these things for the good of those who love Him, because He loves us!
God Bless
Neil
Sixty-six books in a year 
Good thoughts and reminders. Thanks, Neil. Even thinking about really painful, difficult situations in my own life have often yielded a later joy or purpose I never imagined.