Resolved, After afflictions, to inquire, what I am the better for them; what good I have got by them; and, what I might have got by them.

I’ve been working through the 70 resolutions of Jonathan Edwards and it has been an incredible process. This is resolution #67 and this is a tough one. The passage of scripture that came to mind as I read this resolution is Romans 8:28 which says, “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.” The most challenging part about this passage is “all things.” That God makes “all things” work together for the good. How many of you know that there are some pretty awful things that fall into the category of “all things?” I know that I could certainly name a bunch. Here are a few on my list:

1. My mom passing away when I was 9.

2. Abbi having some serious complications after Jonathan was born.

3. Rejection experienced growing up.

4. Friends passing away way before their time.

These are just a few of the things that fall into the category of “all things” that I would not have scripted. God didn’t create the brokenness in this world and Edwards knew that. In his grace, God does however, choose to use even the most awful parts of this world to work for the good in the lives of his kids. James 1:2 says, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters,whenever you face trials of many kinds…” Pure joy? Really? That’s really tough but it’s a perspective thing. As we look at the trials in this life, we can have a sense of confidence and peace knowing that God is carefully leading his children through them. John A. Shedd said, “A ship in harbor is safe — but that is not what ships are built for.” 

God has an adventure for you and it’s not going to be a safe and easy ride. He is going to lead you to heights that you never thought possible. It’s going to require things of you that you can’t possibly comprehend because God wants you to understand that he’s the only way that you can get there. On the other side I promise that you will be incredibly grateful as you realize that your Heavenly Father not only carried you through the storms but also used them to bring about unimaginable goodness in your life.