Brothers and Sisters,
The New Testament reading for this coming Sunday, Romans 8:26-34, contains one of the most encouraging and reassuring verses in all of Scripture. In verse 28, we read: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” This is one of those verses we can cling to when we’re feeling overwhelmed or when we don’t understand why we’re suffering.
This verse has been on my own mind lately, as I’ve been dealing with chronic ankle issues. At the moment, most activities are difficult and painful for me. My capabilities are limited in a way that I’m finding quite frustrating. Even as I prepare for surgery to correct the problem, Lord willing, I’m also preparing myself for a recovery that’s expected to be long and challenging. In the grand scheme of things, an injured ankle certainly isn’t the worst thing that one can face, but I’ve had to fight discouragement in this season.
It helps immeasurably when I remember that God is far bigger than our pains, our frustrations, and our trials. He’s sovereign, and he loves us perfectly. I’m not sure why I was allowed to slip and fall two years ago on a hiking trail. I’m not sure why I injured that same ankle years before, playing football. I’m not sure why my ankle didn’t heal correctly. What I do believe is this: God will work it all for my good.
Whatever challenges you’re facing, whether they’re bigger or more minor than a busted ankle, this promise is for you, too: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
In Christ,
Fr. Caleb