Posted in Devotions from Others

OF HIM, THROUGH HIM, AND TO HIM

“For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.”
Romans 11:36

This verse of Scripture is a source of great comfort to the child of God. It speaks of the authority, sovereignty, and wisdom of God. Many times we find it difficult, if not impossible, to understand the circumstances of life. We are not always able to see what God is doing or why He allows certain things in our lives. Yet, we can trust that God is directing according to His will and that He will use these events or experiences for His glory and for our good. He is the source. “For of him…are all things.” God is the final authority and supreme architect of the universe. Men may do things of their own accord, and Satan himself may seek to hinder or destroy. But according to the Bible, God permits or allows it to happen. He is the source of all power and the source of all wisdom. Our text tells us that, “through him… are all things.” He is ruling as Lord of lords and King of kings. Therefore, we can be confident that if He has allowed something to happen, there must be a reason or some purpose for it. We are not simply victims of circumstances. God is very much in control. Everything will eventually return “to him.” There will always be an accounting to Him. It may happen soon, it may not happen until later. But eventually, He will judge everything. And, the final result will be “glory for ever” to Christ our King. For the sincere child of God, we realize that life is not simply about our having our way or being free from conflict or difficulty. Life is about knowing, loving, and trusting God to order our lives for His glory. We dare not have such a shortsighted understanding that we interpret everything only as it relates to our immediate pleasure or happiness. God uses things in our lives to affect others, not only in the immediate, but also for the distant future. Our privilege and responsibility is to trust Him and believe His promises. When David was forced to leave Jerusalem after the hostile takeover of his son Absalom, he made his way out of the city, weeping as he went. Then Shimei came alongside him and began to curse David and throw stones at him. Yet, David told his men that God had allowed this. We must remember that there is Someone in control that has a purpose and will receive glory for the events of life.

Pastor Smith