Romans 8:28-29-"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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers."

This passage of scripture is used quit often when someone is going through trials or the loss of a loved one. It shows us that even while going through pain God is able to work it into something good. It is not saying that everything we go through is good but that God can take the bad and turn it into something good. 

I hate to say this but pain is a part of life. I don't like pain. I would prefer comfort over pain any day of the week. I like it when things are going smoothly and everything in my life is going great. The thing I have learned in my life is the pain I often experience produces character that leads to righteousness. If you look at the scripture in Romans, Paul actually says that the good God is producing out of pain is for those who love him and have been called. This is a promise for those who are believers. It gives us hope that God will use the pain and difficulties in our lives to make us like His Son Jesus Christ.

One of the great questions in our culture today is, "Why does God allow suffering?" Many theologians have studied the answer to this question. Job questioned why death and sickness was allowed in his life. Jesus' suffering and death was displayed on a cross for the whole world to see. Jesus took on all that Satan could dish out. Sin, Hell, Death and the Grave were all placed upon him. On Friday it looked really bad for Jesus and His mission to the world. But from Friday afternoon through Sunday morning God was doing something that would change the lives of the world. He defeated Satan and destroyed the powers of death, hell and the grave. He rose so we could have eternal life.

Jesus demonstrated what Paul wrote in our verses today. God turned a bad situation into something really good, redemption. If Jesus had taken the road of comfort and did not allow himself to be beaten, bruised and nailed to that cross we would never have been able to experience salvation and hope for the future. God transformed a hopeless Friday into a hopeful Sunday. 

Where are you at in your journey today? Are you going through a painful season right now? Are you asking the question, "Why am I going through this valley?" "Why is God allowing these things to happen to me?" If you are going through life's trials and tribulations then this devotion is for you. 

Please know that it is through the fire and the valleys that God is always with you. Psalms 23:4 says, "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me." Hebrews 13:5b also says, "God has said, 'Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." God is producing in your life the character, peace, hope and strength that works to conform you into the very image of His Son. Your life is helping other see a picture of a life lived for Jesus.

I encourage you to look to Jesus and find the comfort, peace, healing, restoration and hope you need to press on in him. If you need someone to walk with you through your journey then reach out to us at 3B Fellowship. We are a brotherhood of beggers helping other beggers to find the bread of life.

Prayer-Dear Lord, I am not sure why painful things are happening in my life right now. I believe that you are working out something good but I cannot see it. All I know is that you are a good God and will make something good out of all this bad. Give me the courage to draw closer to you so that I can become like your Son. I will praise you because of who you are and not what I am experiencing. I love you Lord and trust you with my life. In Jesus' name, Amen!