“For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. Likewise, the Spirit also helps us in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? “
There are so many discussion points in this text. I should probably
just stay in this text and keep posting about it until I get done with it. This
post, however, is focused on verse 28 – the fact that ALL things work together
for my good and God’s glory! As per usual, I have written different paragraphs
out of order, and then tried to pull them together in a layout that makes
sense...
Tithing has been something I’ve been trying unsuccessfully to do for a
while now, but I couldn’t afford to. Even taking the money out first would
result in a major bill bouncing, so it really wasn’t working. But a couple of
months ago, maybe October, Pastor preached about tithing and how important it
is. And how, the most important part is to give and give consistently. She also
acknowledged that not everyone can give 10% yet, but you should at least start
with 1% and work your way up. I have to say that I’ve been doing that and I
think I’ve finally got the hang of it. I’m not at 10% yet though. *pulls out
paystubs, does math, checks numbers* Ok, apparently, I’ve been giving around 1 ½
% of my gross paycheck. I thought it was 2% but I never look at my paystubs
LOL. I’ve also started giving 10% of my data entry stipend.
I am most likely going to give up my most major bill, that burdensome
friend of mine - my car Silverfox. I say most likely, because things are still up in the air and there’s
nothing I can do about it. I’ve truly given it to God because I’m tired of
worrying about it. I was over 60 days behind on my car note, which made me
eligible for an assistance program, but now that I’m over 90 days, I might not
be eligible. So, who knows what they’re going to do? Then, regardless of that
situation, my car is sitting in timeout for 3 months as a penalty for going
without insurance for more than 30 days last December/January. I tried to
appeal it, but all it did was delay it. So I’m car-less right through here.
I’m just amazed at God’s love for me and how He is truly taking care of
me. On this business trip to Central PA, I’m so grateful to be in sitting in a
hotel room that I didn’t have to pay for out of my pocket and that I was able
to use a car from the county fleet to get here! When I get back to Pittsburgh, I’ll feel the full effect of being
carless, but everything will be okay. Buses are all around me. There are quite
a few places in Allegheny County that are poor in transit. Yet, I’m grateful
that I live, work, and worship in places that don’t have that problem. I can
get just about anywhere I need to go. I now have a job where a car is not
necessarily required. And for times when I do need one, I will be able to rent
a car. There is a small issue that is
called the mountain/valley in which my apartment is located and to get to the
bus, I have to climb it. It’s pretty steep, but even in that, God is looking
out for me. Forced exercise is a good thing and will help me transition back
into purposefully working out!
All that to say, I’m grateful to God for all He has done and all He
continues to do. I have faith that everything will be okay!
Here’s four five songs that I love and lean on in times like
this:
Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir – More Than Enough
“Jehovah Jireh, my provider, you are more than enough for me…”
Kirk Franklin – He Will Supply
“Though your vessel be empty, He will supply…”
Richard Smallwood – It’s Working (Romans 8:28)
“It’s working, It’s working, it’s working, it’s working, I know!...”
Hezekiah Walker - Grateful
“Flowing from my heart are the issues of my heart and gratefulness…”
Walter Hawkins – Be Grateful
“Be grateful. Because there’s someone else that’s worse off than you… “
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