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)

If someone has messed up your day, your plans, your hopes, your dreams, your health, your taxes, your job, or anything whatsoever, you have a big promise to claim. God can take that circumstance and turn it into something good. Instead of a burden, He will turn it into a benefit. He’s able to create and recreate the circumstances in our lives that have brought havoc and destruction and turn them into something good. But as always there are conditions. God isn’t a vending machine dolling out blessings randomly. Paul lays out some challenging caveats:

1. This promise is for those who love God. If this disqualifies you, you can turn that around today. Begin to love God, study His instructions and start joyfully implementing them in your life.
2. Receive the calling He has on your life. He who made you has a splendid plan for your success. Seek that plan and begin to take steps toward fulfilling it.

When we follow God’s plan, He can take any circumstance that would otherwise destroy us and turn it into something that will actually bless us and those around us.

Father,

Thank you for your promise that you will take the junk in my life and recycle it into something beautiful. I refuse to allow the injustices that have happened to me to cripple me any longer. Loving you, worshipping you, and obeying you, I give you my life, lock, stock, and barrel. Do something amazing with it. With the “help” of others, I have royally messed it up, but you will turn all that around as I trust in you! So I extend forgiveness to those who have instigated disaster in my life. I forgive freely as I have been freely forgiven, and I go free!

Here I am, Lord. I’m all Yours.

Amen!

To all who mourn in Israel, he will give a crown of beauty for ashes, a joyous blessing instead of mourning, festive praise instead of despair. In their righteousness, they will be like great oaks that the Lord has planted for his own glory. (Isaiah 61:3)