Now With Natalie: Identity Sample

Orchestrating Good

We can all make mistakes that bring us shame and don’t reflect our truest, best selves. But the nature of life is that we develop. Like we learned yesterday, we have the opportunity to grow.

The question is, what role do negative experiences and choices play in our present? Is it possible to hold both the reality of our brokenness and the confidence that our setbacks can and will become setups for success? Scripture gives us the answer …

God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. … That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good (Romans 8:26, 28, MSG).

I love the hope of that verse. But it’s essential to not get so blinded by its promise that we miss the condition. Notice the words “our lives of love for God.” It doesn’t say you and I have to be perfect for God to orchestrate good in our lives. What God asks of us is wholehearted love. He asks us to surrender the parts of ourselves we could never redeem in and of ourselves. 

It’s why Jesus came. And it’s what enables us to go from a place of brokenness and shame to seeing every detail of our lives worked into something beautiful and good. 

Personal Reflection

Take a moment to let God show you the areas of your life you might still need to surrender, as well as the situations He wants to use for your good.