"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28 (ESV)
It seems in the last several months, I referenced the above verse on numerous occasions. While we understand the concept, it often remains a nebulous theory.
Take a moment to read the attached article, and see what it looks like in a very specific, extreme example.
In a world without God, the tragedies of life are just random events, without rhyme or reason.
In a world where God is the vengeful dictator too many take him to be, they are punishment. Our just desserts.
But, in a world - this world - where God is our good and loving Father, these hurts are the raw materials He uses for future blessings and glories. He does not wish them upon us, or bring them upon us, but He is not going to allow them to remain meaningless.
As the song says,
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of the dust
You make beautiful things
You make beautiful things out of us
Think about it.
Pastor Jason