Silver Lining

Scripture:
Romans 5:8-11 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Not only is this so, but we also boast in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Devotional:

How many times have you experienced something you thought was bad?  Who has ever had someone do them wrong?  At the time it seemed to be very bad.  Look at Joseph.  His brothers sold him into slavery.  At first I am sure Joseph thought it was a bad situation.  In truth I am sure it was.  What his brothers intended to do harm with God had something else in mind.  Look at Genesis 50:20 (NASB) “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”  God used something intended for evil to be something beneficial and to the gain of His people.

Even though it looks bleak, God has a plan.  What may seem bad, He will turn it into something good for His people.  God sees and knows all.  Even though God doesn’t cause bad things to happen He will use them to change our lives.  All we have to do is seek Him.  All we need to do is put Him first in our lives, allowing Him to do His will.  We need to let God work in our lives.  What seems to be bad just might turn out to be the best thing ever in the end.  The ultimate display of God’s work is Christ’s death on the cross.  Jesus paid the price of redemption for us all.  What started out as bad, and it was truly horrible what they did to Christ.  God used it to become the greatest gift of all, salvation through Jesus.  What the Jewish leaders meant for evil God used for redemption for us all.

No matter what is going on in your life remember Christ paid it all.  Christ is our future, hope, and life.  Jesus is the silver lining in the cloud.