Chaplain’s Corner – God’s Promise: He Is Our Help

“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” (Romans 8:28).

Maybe you have not thought of this verse as a promise, but it certainly is. God assures us that he is always working for the good of those who love him. And even though we cannot always understand His ways, we can trust Him that He is working for our ultimate good. We know this because of His sovereignty, His ability, and His goodness.

First, God is sovereign:

• “Sovereign Lord, you have begun to show to your servant your greatness and your strong hand. For what god is there in heaven or on earth who can do the deeds and mighty works you do?” (Deuteronomy 3:24).
• “Sovereign Lord, you are God! Your covenant is trustworthy, and you have promised these good things to your servant” (2 Samuel 7:28).
• “Our God is a God who saves; from the Sovereign Lord comes escape from death” (Psalm 68:20).

Second, God is able:

• “If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand” (Daniel 3:17).
• “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8).
• “Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25).

Finally, God is good:

• “Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever” (1 Chronicles 16:34.
• “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; and He knows those who trust in Him” Nahum 1:7).
• “No one is good but One, that is, God” (Mark 10:18).

God is sovereign, God is able, and God is good. The work he is doing in us is a good work. And do not miss the references to “all” and “always.” God is not just sovereign and able some of the time. God is good all the time, and all the time, God is good.

John’s Gospel tells of a time when many of Jesus disciples were turning away because of their lack of faith. Jesus asked The Twelve if they also wanted to leave, and Peter, speaking for all of them, said: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. We believe and know that you are the Holy One of God.” (John 6:68-69). In this time of Thanksgiving, thanks be to God for who He is and for his gift of salvation.

“But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Corinthians 15:57).

In Christ,

Judy