As I’ve continued my devotional reading of 1 Corinthians, this is the phrase that stood out for me in Chapter 11:
“...all things are from God” 1 Corinthians 11:12b
As Martin Luther liked to put it, “this is most certainly true,” but how often do we stop to think about it? Everything we have is a gracious gift from God — our spouse, our families, our friends, our home. In addition, we owe everything we are to God. Psalm 139 tells us:
“For you (God) created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Psalm 139:13
God gave us the abilities, the talents, and the personality that make us the person we are. Gratitude should be our overwhelming response. Even when difficult things happen, God allows them and uses them for our good and the good of others.
“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
Whatever is going on in our lives, we can be assured that God has a good purpose. He loves us, He blesses us, He uses us to bless others. It’s hard to give thanks for suffering, but this is comforting and consoling.
“For everything created by God is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving, for it is made holy by the word of God and prayer.” 1 Timothy 4:4
For the things that are ours, we should give thanks. When troubles come, we should pray and wait to see God’s plan at work. Nothing is random. We’re in His hands. We can trust Him.
For more about God’s plan see:
Your Dream. God’s Plan. by Tiffany Smiling — Book Review
Lutheran Ladies Connection 