Romans 8:28-29 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. 29For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son…

My wife is a good cook. “Good” may actually be a humble description of her prowess in the kitchen. Most every Saturday morning she is up before the rest of our family clinking pots and pans and mixers. She is creating. Of course, by the time the kids and I roll out of bed all we see is what sits neatly on her serving trays. We eat them hurriedly and mumble a thanks that certainly doesn’t match the effort. However, every so often I will be awake on those mornings and it’s as if the curtain of heaven is being pulled back. Creation may have been spoken into being, but biscuits it turns out, are hard work too. Eggs, oil, milk and sprinkles of this and that are thrown into a bowl and mixed. Baked at 350 until golden. As I’ve looked at her ingredients there aren’t really any that I would have enjoyed by themselves. But only after those ingredients were mixed together in the right proportions by her skilled hands and subjected to unbridled fire did they produce something “good”

The “things” of Romans 8:28 are the ingredients of the biscuits. By themselves we shun them and they are distasteful. And most certainly do we run from the heat of the oven. However, when God properly mixes, in his infinite skill and cooks us in the oven of adversity, do we then have something “good”.

“Good” of course is often translated as ‘my painful circumstances will turn into good emotions and feelings and certainly results.’ But when I take the time to read the following verse I realize that all my circumstances are determined for my good which ultimately translates into Christ-likeness. That is the good that God intends. Because that good will lead to His glory.

So today, I will embrace all things for my good, but more so for His glory and attention.