Today's Verse: Romans 8:28

The real issue in our lives is not God's faithfulness and goodness but ours. The history of God's faithfulness to Israel and his promises is found throughout the Scriptures. We can depend and rely on him to do what he promises despite the apparent circumstances of our lives. The real issue is whether or not we choose to truly love him and live for his purposes when our lives become unbearable and faith becomes hard. This verse is no platitude or easy answer. It is the life ring of hope for those with gritty faith who choose to persevere when there is no easy reason for doing so. Faith like this is rooted in a Savior who triumphed over death, Satan, sin, and hell by voluntarily giving his life for our salvation. But he remained in the grave a second day. There appeared to be no hope, but hope burst forth as Jesus rose from the dead on the third day. So, will we choose to keep loving God and living for his purposes when things are hard — when we are caught on our own "second day" while waiting for the dawn of the third day and our complete salvation?