Hope or Despair? | episode 204

<p>Romans 8:28<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></p> <p>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.</p> <p>Satan intends your suffering for evil; God intends it for good. Satan attempts to destroy your faith, while God invites you to draw upon his sovereign grace to sustain you. Whose purpose in your suffering will prevail? If we truly recognize God’s sovereignty even over Satan’s work—not just by saying the words, but by believing the truth—it doesn’t merely alter our perspective; it transforms it.</p> <p>In <a href="https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Cor%2012.7">2 Corinthians 12:7</a>, we see Satan had one purpose for Paul’s suffering, and God had another. Paul recognized that God used the thorn in his flesh he calls “a messenger of Satan” to conform his character to Christ’s (<a href= "https://biblia.com/bible/esv/2%20Cor%2012.8">2 Corinthians 12:8</a>). If God can utilize for good “a messenger of Satan,” then surely a car accident, a stolen iPod, a fight with your friend or your employer’s unreasonable expectations can be tools in God’s hand as well.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Two sides to every coin. <span class= "Apple-converted-space"> </span> Hope or despair <span class= "Apple-converted-space">   </span></p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://biblehub.com/2_samuel/16-12.htm">2 Samuel 16:12</a></p> <p>Perhaps the LORD will see my affliction and repay me with good for the cursing I receive today."</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://biblehub.com/acts/13-48.htm">Acts 13:48</a></p> <p>When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and glorified the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed for eternal life believed.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/8-30.htm">Romans 8:30</a></p> <p>And those He predestined, He also called; those He called, He also justified; those He justified, He also glorified.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="https://biblehub.com/romans/11-29.htm">Romans 11:29</a></p> <p