God Speaks Through Circumstances
Romans 8:26–35
I have lived too long, seen God’s faithfulness in too many ways and been too blessed to believe in luck, happenstance, coincidence or karma. Nothing transpires by accident or out of the eye or realm of God’s sovereignty or power. There is not one square inch in this universe where God is not in control and actively present.
One of the least talked about ways God speaks to us is through our daily circumstances. If you adopt a mindset that God is everywhere and always at work, it will be easier to hear from Him.
Often, we become lost in the mundane or routine of life and fail to see the hand of God in what we consider a routine day or moment. If we seek God in each part of our life, we will discover and be amazed at the many ways He is already at work and invites us to join Him.
The Holy Spirit helps us pray and navigate our circumstances. (26–27)
We have each faced times in our lives when we feel as if the weight of the world is on our shoulders. It could be stress, depression, anxiety, health problems, family turmoil or financial strain. In those times, our faith is tested.
What can we do? We know that we are called in every season to stay in His Word and to pray. It may become a greater challenge when we are struggling. In a display of His wonderful love for us, the Holy Spirit actively and personally helps us communicate our prayers.
Even when we cannot mouth the words, He hears the anguish of our hearts and intercedes on our behalf. Words do not make the prayer — the heart of the person praying does.
God uses our circumstances to accomplish His will and make us more like Christ. (28–30)
Do not misread what this Scripture is saying — it does not imply that everything that happens around us is good. There are many aspects of this world that are not good. Some are evil and contrary to the holiness of God.
These verses show us that God in His sovereignty has a supernatural way of working all of these events together. God is not the author of sin, nor does He condone evil. In a great, orchestrated mystery, He is able to piece all the events of the world together for His honor and our good.
We can trust God to work for our benefit. (31–35)
The word redeemed is key in understanding this passage. We cannot fully grasp the measure of God’s grace He extended to all believers by redemption through Jesus.
As sons and daughters of God, we are now part of His royal family. His only Son, Jesus, suffered in our place, but also for our benefit.
He received the punishment He did not deserve so that the Father can accept us. No other expression of love will ever match the love God has for His children.
Because of that great love, God can be trusted. When our circumstances are tough, when we do not understand what is going on or when we feel hopeless, He can be trusted.
Take time each day to consider what God has led you through. He will never leave you. His words are true and His assurance is real.
By Bobby McKay
Pastor of New Liberty Baptist Church in Morton, Mississippi
