God uses EVERYTHING - Romans 8:28

by cassandra
(maiden, north carolina)

God can and DOES use everything, both good and bad, for His good. It doesn't matter what it is, God will use something that looks like only bad can come from it, for good

Romans 8:28 says "We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God-those whom He has called according to His plan."

Jeremiah 29:10-14 says "This is what the Lord says: When Babylon's 70years are over, I will keep My promise to you and bring you back to this place. I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for peace and not disaster, plans to give you a future filled with hope. Then you will call to Me. You will come and pray to Me, and I will hear you. When you look for Me, you will find Me. When you wholeheartedly seek Me, I will let you find Me, declares the Lord. I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I've scattered you, declares the Lord. I will bring you back from the place where you are being held captive."


Think About it (discussion questions that can be used in a group or for individuals):
What kinds of things have you gone through, both good and bad, that God either has used or will use for His good?

Do you think that there is anything that God can't or chooses not to use for His good? Why or why not?


God can and does use everything to bring glory to Himself. About 7 or 8years ago, a close friend of mine, who went to my church and was on our church dance team with me and several other pre-teen and teen girls, was killed in a bad car accident. Why am I using this as an example? Well, her parents had gotten a divorce and her dad wasn't saved. Because of her death, she was able to bring her parents back together and her dad became a Christian. Of course I miss her, but just think, if she hadn't died, her dad probably wouldn't have became a Christian.

Even things that God really didn't want to happen, that is very bad, God can still use it. An example is one that sadly many girls experience--self-injury, eating disorders, etc. How can God use this? Well, if the person chooses to do so, they will get themselves into counseling and get the help they need. I am one of these girls who struggles with self-injury and my body image. I got myself into counseling and am doing a whole lot better. Because I "experienced" first-hand how bad cutting makes one feel, and what can drive one to cut, and saw how much counseling can help a person, I have decided to major in psychology. Less than a year ago, I felt like God was impressing it on me that I need to major in psychology, with a specific focus on child psychology because I have decided I want to be a children and teen's counselor, and its all because of my past. Do I wish I had the past I do? Of course not. Does God wish I had hurt myself like I was? Definitely not. God doesn't want anyone to hurt themselves, but He can use all who will let Him to help others who have been through the same things.

Someone who's been through a drug addiction can help someone with a drug addiction, and someone who's been abused can help someone who's currently being abused because they know what they are going through.

God only uses things for good to bring glory to His name. Think about it, if He constantly brought good to people, without using it for His good, no one would give thanks to Him. God sets people free so that they can thank and praise Him and witness to others about what He's done in their lives.

Its like Lincoln Brewster says in his song "Today is the Day" "I'm casting my cares aside/I'm leaving my past behind/I'm setting my heart and mind on You,Jesus/I'm reaching my hand to Yours/Believing there's so much more/Knowing that all You have in store for me is good...I'm putting my fears aside/I'm leaving my doubts behind/I'm giving my hopes and dreams to You, Jesus/I'm reaching my hand to Yours/Believing there's so much more/Knowing that all You have in store for me is good/Today is the day You have made/I will rejoice and be glad in it/Today is the day You have made/I will rejoice and be glad in it/I won't worry about tomorrow/I'm giving You my fears and sorrows/Where You lead me I will follow/I'm trusting in what You say/Today is the day"

Why did I choose this song? For two reasons--One, because it's one of my favorites, and Two, because its telling us to trust in God and to give Him everything, and through us giving Him our good and our bad, that is how He uses our good and our bad.

Dear God, I pray that You help everyone see that no matter what the situation, You can use it to bring glory to Your name, and to help those who are going through a similar situation. Help everyone to realize that if they only give You their good and bad, that You will know exactly what to do with it. Please help them to realize that if they give You their struggles, their sins, etc. that You will turn what was negative into something positive.

In Your Name I pray, Amen.