Caught in the CloseoutSample

ALL THINGS FOR GOOD

“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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

—Romans 8:28–29

Some days it just all comes together.

The sunshine is warm on your body, the swell is good, the crowd is stoked, and you just sense that God is there with you. Today you’re landing things you normally don’t even try. Wow! What a day; what an awesome feeling.

Other days, you might not feel His presence at all. In fact, you may feel completely alone. Your life is like a choppy, blown-out kind of day where you seem to pearl on every wave.

What’s up with that? Has He forgotten you?

It’s easy to see God’s blessing in blessings, but do you see His blessing in your trials?

The simple truth is that God is working things out—through good and bad—for something so much bigger than just your enjoyment. He’s changing you to be more like Jesus in your character and priorities.

Some lessons you’re open to when the sun is shining, and you’re stoked.

But sometimes, the dark days hold the most valuable and important message. They’re hard days—but they’re necessary.

Think about it. If every wave broke perfectly, you would never learn how to get around a section and the floater may never have been created.

It’s the same in life.

God is using the good and bad that comes into our lives, if we are His children. Trust Him today with the master plan of your life—because He’s always working for your good.

Go Deeper:

• Think back to a good time in your life. Maybe it’s right now! What is God teaching you in those sunny moments?
• Now do the same for a difficult time in your life. (Maybe it’s right now!) What is He showing you in the times of struggle?