Bible Moment with Jesus 3, November 2024.

The Title For Today’s Bible Moment with Jesus is: Finding Purpose in All Things

Life often brings unexpected challenges that leave us questioning the meaning behind them. We may wonder why we go through certain struggles and hardships, or even how they could possibly be part of God’s plan. Yet, as believers, we are given a profound truth in the Bible that offers us hope and clarity: everything we experience can work together for good when we place our trust in God. In today’s Bible Moment with Jesus, we’ll explore what it means to find purpose in all things, even the most difficult situations, and how we can hold onto God’s promises in our lives.

Scripture of the Day

“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.” — Romans 8:28 (NIV)

Reflection

This powerful verse from Romans reveals an essential truth about our relationship with God. It reminds us that, no matter what we go through, God is at work. The “all things” in this verse include the highs and lows of life, our victories and our struggles. Nothing is wasted when we place it in God’s hands. Paul, the apostle who wrote this letter, endured hardships, persecution, and loss, yet he held firmly to the belief that everything he faced served a greater purpose within God’s plan.

Believing that God can bring good out of every situation does not mean that life will be free of pain. Rather, it means that God’s wisdom and love are greater than any challenge we may encounter. Romans 8:28 invites us to see our lives through a different lens, one that shifts from fear or doubt to faith and trust in God’s power. When we love God and seek His purpose, He can use every situation to strengthen, shape, and bless us in ways we might not see at first.

Understanding God’s Purpose in Our Lives

1. God Knows Our Future: One of the most comforting aspects of following Jesus is knowing that God sees the entire picture. He knows our past, present, and future. In moments of confusion, we may not understand how our experiences fit into His plan, but we can trust that He is leading us toward His purpose.

2. Every Experience Has Value: God has a unique way of using our experiences, even the painful ones, to teach us and grow our faith. Sometimes, what feels like a setback can be a setup for something greater. When we go through trials, God refines us, making us stronger and more compassionate. Our struggles allow us to better understand others and become instruments of His love and encouragement.

3. God’s Plans Are Always Good: While we may face times of hardship, we can hold onto the promise that God’s plans are always for our good. As Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God is a loving Father who desires the best for His children, and He has a greater purpose for everything He allows in our lives.

A Lesson from Jesus’ Life

In Jesus’ own life, we see the ultimate example of finding purpose in all things. His journey to the cross was filled with suffering and sacrifice, yet it was also the path to the greatest victory—our salvation. Jesus knew the pain He would endure, but He also knew the purpose behind it. In John 10:10, Jesus says, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” His sacrifice on the cross was not only a demonstration of His love but also the fulfillment of God’s plan for humanity.

Through His obedience, Jesus showed us that even in the face of adversity, God’s purposes remain steadfast. His life encourages us to trust that, when we align our lives with God’s will, everything we experience can contribute to His greater plan. Like Jesus, we may face trials, but we can hold onto the hope that God is working for our good and for His glory.

Practical Ways to Trust God’s Purpose Daily

1. Seek God in Prayer: Begin each day by asking God to help you see His purpose in your life. Pray for wisdom, patience, and understanding, especially when challenges arise. Prayer strengthens our connection to God and reminds us that we are not alone in our journey.

2. Meditate on God’s Word: The Bible is filled with reminders of God’s faithfulness and purpose. Reading verses like Romans 8:28 helps anchor our hearts in truth, even when circumstances seem uncertain. Spend time each day reflecting on God’s promises.

3. Celebrate Small Victories: Look for moments of gratitude and growth, even in difficult times. Recognizing how God is working, even in small ways, helps build our faith and reminds us of His purpose.

4. Lean on Fellow Believers: Sharing our experiences with others allows us to gain new perspectives and receive encouragement. God often uses fellow believers to speak into our lives, offering support and insight we may need.

5. Reflect on Past Seasons: Looking back on times when God has been faithful in our lives can give us confidence in His purpose. Remembering past blessings reminds us that God is always at work, even if we don’t see it in the moment.

A Prayer for Purpose

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your promise that in all things, You work for the good of those who love You. Help me to trust in Your purpose, even when I face challenges and doubts. I surrender my plans to You, knowing that Your wisdom is far greater than mine. Strengthen my faith and help me to see how You are shaping my life for good. Thank You for Your unfailing love and for always guiding my steps. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Conclusion

Romans 8:28 is a powerful reminder that no part of our lives is beyond God’s purpose. Whether we face joy or sorrow, triumph or trial, God can use it all for good when we trust in Him. Life may not always make sense from our perspective, but as we lean into God’s promises, we can rest assured that He is working behind the scenes for our benefit and His glory.

This week, let’s challenge ourselves to embrace this promise, to seek God’s purpose in every situation, and to allow our faith to grow. No matter what comes our way, we can find peace in knowing that God’s purpose is unchanging, and His love is forever faithful.