Greater Treasures than Gold

A few comments on what I've read recently in Romans.

 Romans 8:28-29

 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.  For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son...

Such great rest, comfort, and peace we can find in this promise from God.  Paul starts with the words, "And we KNOW".  We don't have to hope or guess that God is maybe, somehow, in some way, trying to make our circumstances work out for us.  It's an affirmative. It's an absolute.

But what is the "good" mentioned here?  Is it healing of a sickness?  Or maybe solving a financial shortcoming?  or could it be, resolving an estranged relationship?  It may be any of those things, since we know He's a generous giver of good gifts.  He is extremely gracious to the most undeserving among us.  Yet, the ultimate "good" that we can be given is the gift of transformation into His image.  All other pleasures and comforts are fleeting.

One thing found in this verse from Paul is a hope for believers who are in despair.  He is saying, "God is at work in you.  Don't be deceived.  Though burdens are heavy, and circumstances difficult, He is sovereign, and you are His.  He has known you from the beginning and is, at all times, using all these things to make you more like His Son.  He has not forgotten, nor will forsake you."  Hallelujah!

So let us not believe the lies.  Let our hope stay fixed on the Lord and the treasure of His Salvation and His promises.  Let our contentment be in Him who is at work in us, and rejoice in His promise.  Our hope should be that tomorrow we will be more like Him than in days past.