My dad recently got a check for $12 in the mail from his grocery store. He qualified to receive the money, plus some automatic discounts, because he signed up for the store’s free rewards program. After hearing this, I decided to sign up at my grocery store to get all the perks I can, too.
Although the grocery store has some good deals, how much better is God’s promise, “…in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28). Imagine every single thing in my life working out for good. What do I have to do to get God’s deal?
The answer is at the end of the verse. It says God will work all things for the good of “those who love him.” But wait a minute, why would God restrict his promise to just this group? Doesn’t he love everyone?
It’s true, God loves everyone (John 3:16). But God is also a gentleman. He doesn’t force his way into our lives and start working without our permission. As a loving Father, he has given us free will to make our own choices, including the decision to have him in our lives or not. Although God sends some good things to everyone (Matthew 5:45), his promise to work all things to good is reserved for those who love him and want him in their life.
How, then, can I be sure this promise applies to me? How can I know if I really love God?
Every loving relationship starts somewhere. One way I know I love God is because I cared enough to invite him to be in my life. In the spring of 1979, on the lawn at Sacramento State University, I knelt down with my friend Miriam and prayed, “Dear God, I don’t know you very well, but I want to. Please forgive my sins and come into my life.”
Since then, I’ve spent time getting to know God by reading the love letters he wrote me—the Bible. I talk with God and ask for his help. His loving guidance and responses warm my heart toward him more and more. Seeing the loving way my Lord works in other people’s lives who also know him—like those at church—reinforces my admiration, too.
However, sometimes I feel loving and close to God—like during worship at church—and sometimes I don’t. Will God still do good things in my life when my feelings don’t seem to be there?
I’ve learned that love depends on more than feelings. Love endures through commitment, respect and trust. I’m committed to having Jesus—who I respect and admire—in my life for all my days. Even though the time I spend with him varies, my level of love and trust grows with every season.
Because I’ve asked Jesus to forgive my sins and be my Lord, and because He is faithful and true, I can know God will work every situation that comes my way to good. What a comforting deal.
I’d love to hear your ideas on what “loving God” means. And nothing thrills me more than hearing stories of how someone invited Jesus into their life. If you have a minute, please drop me a note in the “comment” link below.
The Never Ending Gifts 
Dear Kris, As always, your blog is inspiring and soul-searching. I too asked Christ into my life in the winter of 1980 on my college campus, shortly after you and 3000 miles away. My relationship with Christ has been rocky, to put it mildly. But He truly is the “Rock”, because He is the only constant One in this relationship. I look forward to every blog you post. With love, Christine
By: Christine on February 7, 2013
at 8:54 pm
Christine, thanks for taking the time to tell your story–so similar to mine! Your faith is stronger than you think–you see God in every circumstance. But you are right, we can stand because Jesus is there to guide us through every situation. We can hold on to His strong right hand.
By: Kris Lindsey on February 8, 2013
at 9:39 am