The Bible tells us in Romans 8:28 The Passion Translation that “we are convinced that every detail of our lives is continually woven together to fit into God’s perfect plan of bringing good into our lives, for we are his lovers who have been called to fulfill his designed purpose.”

In this five day devotional led by the Holy Spirit, we will uncover how life is bigger than us. Yes I know and understand the importance of self-care and putting yourself first in certain situations. Some have even heard before that there is a purpose for every valley in your life. But what if I told you that what you may be encountering and going through today may be a fight you are fighting on the behalf of others. 

Hard pill to swallow, it is. Like why would I be fighting or struggling on behalf of someone else. Someone I might not even know. But, as we work through these next five days, I hope to encourage us to keep up the good fight and think past and bigger than ourselves. 

The book of Romans was written by apostle Paul (formally known as Saul), who had persecuted Christians, even killing them, because of their allegency to Christ. God turned his life around with ONE encounter and from then on, he was sold out for the cause of Christ. The breakdown of Romans starts off with a call that all have sinned (Chapters 1-3), then to the Justification given to us by Grace through faith (Chapters 4-5) and then where our anchor scripture is taken from, Living in the Spirit (Chapters 6-8). 

The reason we are taking a look at this breakdown of Romans is because I want us to understand that we’ve ALL folded (in other words, fallen short) and offended God; but through our constant faith in God, there is a solution. This paints the picture that no matter who or what we came from, we can and will be used for the bigger picture. I am very very sure Saul thought he was living and working in his designed purpose and becoming Paul wasn't part of his plan. But God uses our shortcomings and our valleys to establish a foundation for the mountain He is taking us to. 

When we begin to pull out the message behind the words of our anchor scripture, Paul is trying to assure us that it is the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit in us that is at work when we are downcast. Once you accept Christ into your life, you can go to the end of the earth but you will NEVER be alone. The Holy Spirit is our mediator, our helper, the one who helps us work out our problems and navigate through the valley. When we continue to trust and call upon God, even if it's as small as that mustard seed, He will direct the events of our lives. The painful ones, the weak ones, the ones we feel like giving up on. Like He did for Paul, He turns our mistakes into the means for our growth, our blessing, His Glory, and His Purpose. 

I am even sure that Paul’s past probably scared some people into the faith. (small joke)

The charge for today is for us to never think that we are damaged goods. I never killed anyone and I’d like to think you didn’t either. But God was able to use someone who killed His people for great things. Romans 2:11 tells us that “God doesn’t show favoritism.” So rest assured God will use you too, if you are willing. 

Yesterday, our focus was centered on the Book of Romans and the life of Paul, underscoring the universal truth that we have all fallen short of God’s original intention. Yet, with the aid of the Holy Spirit, regardless of our past shortcomings, our future can surpass our present circumstances.

While you may not be familiar with The Passion Translation, Romans 8:28 in the New Living Translation (NLT) states, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” This verse is widely known but often misinterpreted and taken out of context. Before delving into its meaning, let's clarify what the verse does NOT imply.

Firstly, it does not imply that all things are inherently good. The Bible acknowledges in numerous verses that not all things are beneficial or morally upright (1 Corinthians 10:23).

Secondly, it is not a promise extended to all individuals. This verse specifically addresses those who have a relationship with Christ, emphasizing the importance of anchoring oneself to God through the Holy Spirit. Non-believers cannot expect the same transformative impact from this promise, as it is limited to those who have placed their faith in Jesus.

Thirdly, it does not solely concern temporary circumstances but encompasses the eternal. Some endure far greater hardships than others, facing challenges from birth or enduring suffering even unto death. Paul's intention in this verse is to elucidate the struggles encountered by believers in this earthly life.

However, the essence of this verse lies in its assurance that, for the redeemed, all circumstances will ultimately contribute to a greater good, whether realized in this life or the afterlife. "All things" encompass every experience we encounter, while "working together" underscores God's orchestration of events towards a specific outcome, even amidst the world's turmoil. And what is that outcome? "Good."

The concept of "good" transcends mere earthly notions of happiness or success. Instead, God's ultimate good for us is to glorify us for eternity (Revelation 21:1–4), guiding us towards a purpose that aligns with His divine will.

In the midst of life's waiting and suffering, this verse offers solace, affirming that nothing is wasted for those in Christ. There exists a profound purpose behind our pain. However, for those outside of Christ, the significance of this promise remains elusive. Be intentional in reminding yourself of this as you go through life. 

On Day Two, we delved into our anchor verse to grasp the profound truth that no aspect of our suffering in this life is without purpose. Genesis 50:20 reassures us that "our suffering is never wasted," leading us to recognize that there is significance in our pain and hardships, even if it eludes us at present. One day, the purpose behind it all will become clear.

Now, having explored the underlying message of our anchor verse, we transition to the core of our study. Life transcends individual experiences; our suffering often serves a greater narrative, impacting not only ourselves but others as well. Acts 17:3 highlights how Jesus endured suffering to secure salvation for believers. Similarly, our struggles, though challenging, pale in comparison to the eternal glory awaiting us. To inherit this eternal promise, we too must endure (Matthew 10:22). James 1:12 underscores the value of perseverance under trial, promising a crown of life to those who endure faithfully.

Contrary to the notion that "God gives His toughest battles to His strongest soldiers," such thinking discounts the role of the Holy Spirit and the spiritual resources available to us. Instead, we must acknowledge our reliance on God's strength. While we may feel overwhelmed by life's challenges, we find solace in knowing that our help comes from the Lord.

Life extends beyond the visible realm; our limited perspective often blinds us to the unseen workings of God. By shifting our focus from the visible to the behind-the-scenes (BTS) aspects, we align ourselves with God's perspective. He has forewarned us of trials and assured us of His sustaining strength; it's now our responsibility to redirect our gaze accordingly.

Our present struggles cultivate endurance and equip us to support fellow believers in their times of suffering. Tomorrow, we will examine a beloved biblical character to further illustrate this principle.

Read Romans 5:3-5 for a deeper dive and reflect on the passage. 

3 "Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us"

Life extends beyond our individual experiences. Yesterday, we began exploring the reasons behind our trials and suffering, recognizing that true goodness often requires enduring hardships. Though Jesus sacrificed Himself for our salvation, He also acknowledged the inevitable trials we would face in this life. Those who persevere through these challenges are blessed, as they will ultimately receive the promises reserved for those who love Him. Jesus understood the arduous journey ahead, yet He paved the way for us.

Today, we turn to the biblical example of Joseph to illustrate how our struggles and setbacks serve a larger narrative, sometimes benefiting others. Joseph, born into a family where favoritism sparked jealousy among his brothers, endured betrayal and hardship. Despite this, he clung to the dreams and promises God had bestowed upon him (Exodus 6:6–8). His brothers' jealousy led to his enslavement in Egypt after being sold into slavery.

Throughout Joseph's trials, God remained with him, granting him favor even in servitude and imprisonment. Despite being wrongfully accused, Joseph eventually rose to a position of authority, interpreting dreams and advising Pharaoh. Ultimately, he played a pivotal role in saving Egypt and his family (the Israelites) from famine.

Joseph's journey may have seemed obscure, but he held onto God's promises. Through the hardships of being in Potiphar's house and later in prison, Joseph gained valuable insights into macro and microeconomics, preparing him to lead during times of abundance and scarcity. Despite his trials, Joseph emerged victorious, ruling over Egypt and reconciling with his family.

So just remember, whatever pits or prisons we find ourselves in today, God has a purpose for our pain and suffering. By holding onto His promises, we can navigate through life's challenges with hope and assurance. Just as Joseph's story unfolded according to God's plan, so too can ours, if we remain steadfast in faith.

As we land on our last day of this devotional, I want us to use this time for reflection. Over the past four days we uncovered the purpose and reasons behind why we suffer and go through hardships by getting us to think outside of ourselves. Paul went through all he did to help us even today understand the real important things of life, no matter our past we are still star players in God’s plan. Joseph showed us that though we have many pits and prisons in life to hold onto the word that God has given or shown us about our lives because one thing God is, is faithful to His promises. 

1. Pay Attention to your current Season

   1.  “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1

   2. Takeaway: If you’re feeling stressed or anxious, just remember that this is only one season of life. Understand that this hardship isn’t permanent, there is a season of planting, but also a time to bloom. 

2. One Step at a Time:

   1. "Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." - Matthew 6:34

   2. Takeaway: It’s easy to get caught up worrying about the future. It’s important to focus on the here and now. Take your life day-by-day because you can’t get to tomorrow without going through today. 

3. Don’t Stress: 

   1. "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes?" - Matthew 6:25

   2. Takeaway: We are all reminded to stop sweating the small stuff. Don’t stress trying to control the things that are out of your control. God will settle your matter, so you don’t stress.

4. Healthy Distractions: 

   1. “Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things.” - Colossians 3:2

   2. Takeway: They say, “if you look hard enough for it, You will find it.” If you constantly fill your mind with healthy things despite the downcast season you are in, you will find a healthier state of mind. 

5. Enjoyment: 

   1. “So I decided there is nothing better than to enjoy food and drink and to find satisfaction in work. Then I realized that these pleasures are from the hand of God.” - Ecclesiastes 2:24

   2. Takeway: “Any little change… na enjoyment.” Enjoy life my friend, life is way too short not to enjoy it and make the best out of it. You only get one life to live, and God wants you to be happy and enjoy all the joyful moments He has created. 

“So we don’t look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not yet seen. For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.” - 2 Corinthians 4:18