“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
One of the great fears you face in this life is the fear of the future. You fear for the future of your family, your friends, your job, your community—and everything else in between.
It’s natural. You’re not in control. But that realization should drive you to trust God more deeply.
You might not be in control of your future, but God is. He created the whole universe. If he wanted to, the Lord could just snap it out of existence in a moment. Yet he is working his plan in history. He is moving history to a climax, a destiny. One day Jesus Christ will come back to Earth. Nothing will stop that.
Just as God is working in history to move events toward a particular moment, he will work in your life for a purpose, too—if you’ll let him.
The Bible says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (Romans 8:28 NLT).
God’s Word doesn’t say that everything is good. It also doesn’t say that God causes everything. He doesn’t cause war. He doesn’t cause cancer. He doesn’t cause rape, abuse, or molestation. He doesn’t cause evil. People do that. God gives people the freedom to choose. Evil is the price of that freedom.
But the Bible does say that God causes everything to work together for good. He can take the dumb, evil, and bad decisions you’ve made in your life and use them for good if you’ll trust him. Romans 8:28 isn’t a promise for everyone, though. It’s for “those who love God.” It’s for those who trust God and say, “Here, Lord, you take all the broken pieces of my life and put them together.”
This is why, when I read the headlines each day, I don’t worry. Sure, there are a lot of problems in the world today, but God is still in control. God is still moving history to a climax. And God is still moving his people toward his best for them. One day God will work everything out for his purpose.
Because God is in control, you can trust him with everything—including the good, the bad, and the ugly of your life.
Talk It Over
- How will knowing God is in control help you to trust him better?
- How have you seen God take a bad decision and make something good out of it?
- What’s one fear of the future you can hand over to God today?
ANNOUNCEMENTS
CHRISMON: Sunday Morning, December 6 during morning worship at 10:00 am. Following the service we will have lunch and a time of decorating the church for the holidays. Please contact Richard Baisden if you would like to be a part of our Chrismon Service.
SECRETARY NEEDED: We are looking for a part-time secretary to help at the church. If you know of anyone, have them contact Pastor Mike or Terri Ray.
FOOD PANTRY: The pantry is open on Tuesday and Thursday from 10:00am-1:00pm and Wednesday from 5:00-7:00pm. Volunteers and donations are needed. Specific food items needed: Vienna Sausages, Potted Meats, and Spaghetti Sauce.
COFFEE SHOP: Uncommon Grounds is open every Monday-Saturday from 7:00am-2:00pm. Invite a friend and use this great outreach to introduce the church to your friends.
KELLY'S CLOSET: Kelly needs volunteers to help serve women in need of clothing and support. See Kelly Shinn for more information on how you can get involved or donate.
WOMEN OF JOY: Women of Joy is coming to Pigeon Forge on April 23-25, 2021. To get the best rate for the conference and choice for lodging, fees are due by January 10. See Rhonda Emanuelson if you plan to attend. Click for more details.
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: has been cancelled.
CHAIR YOGA: Classes are cancelled until after the first of the year. Contact Anita Woods for more information.
CLASSES & STUDIES
SUNDAYS
Debbie Woodard leads the Young Adult Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 868 1977 8952
Password: Bible101
Kenneth Ray leads the Friendship Class via ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 846 6822 8046
Password: Bible101
Sunday morning worship begins at 10:00am. Sunday, November 29 will be live streamed ONLY on Facebook and our website home page. Beginning December 6, to keep your safety a high priority, the Church Board has asked that we go back to our prior guidelines for seating in the sanctuary. If you are wearing a mask you are welcome to sit anywhere on the main floor. If you would prefer to not wear a mask, we ask that you please sit in the balcony. Thanks for your help as we do our best to keep everyone healthy.
WEDNESDAYS
Wednesday Night Bible Study with Debbie Woodard is on Facebook Live (from Debbie's page) at 6:30pm.
Elizabeth Hunter leads Youth Group on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM via ZOOM.
Meeting ID: 853 5143 1007
Password: Bible101
THURSDAYS
Richard leads prayer and devotional on Thursdays at 7:00 PM via
ZOOM for anyone who would like to join.
Meeting ID: 894 2501 3143
Password: Prayer605
