And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - (Romans 8:28)

Sometimes I walk into the kitchen to see what my wife is cooking. She may be putting together a meal that does not look to me like it’s going anywhere. It’s a little of this and a little of that and a little of the other. I’ll say, “What are you making?” She will answer, “Wait and see.”

If I have the patience to wait while she puts her special touch to the meal, when it comes to the table all I can say is, “Delicious.”

That’s how God works. He takes a little of this and a little of that and a little of the other that might not look too tasty on its own. Yet in His sovereignty, He can mix it, stir in a little omnipresence, add some omnipotence, a dash of grace, throw in a little goodness, mix in a little mercy, and combine it all together. Then, when it comes out of the oven, all you can say is, “Excellent.”

But the only ones who can say “excellent” are those who love God and are committed to His purpose. You’ve got to be on His agenda, not on your own. You’ve got to be follow- ing His path, not your own. It’s not, “Lord, this is what I want.”Rather, it’s “Lord, what do You want?”That is the question that defines a life lived in the abundance of the King and His kingdom.

Reflection: Where have you seen, in your own life, God work bad circumstances for your good or that of those you love? What examples do we have in Scripture of such in- stances? Why do we find it hard to trust God in hard or uncertain times? Why should we trust Him anyway?

Father, grant me the patience to wait with a trusting spirit as You arrange the situations and experiences in my life for Your good and glory. I know that You will accomplish good in and through me if I will commit my heart to love You and seek Your will. Thank you for what You are doing—even that which I cannot yet see.

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