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

 

After scrimping and saving for years, Derek submitted an offer on his dream home.

Unfortunately, not all dreams become realities. Derek’s real estate agent messed up the paperwork, causing the deal to fall through. Derek was understandably angry. He couldn’t help thinking, “If only this had been different.”

Regretful thinking is a recipe for growing bitter and angry. Ultimately, Derek was seeing life through the lens of human understanding. But that week at church, Derek heard the pastor speak from a well-loved scripture which says, “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).

Derek realized He hadn’t been leaving any space in His worldview for God. God was in control and could work even through unfortunate situations. Who knows how God would use this mistake for good? If he could forgive the real estate agent and trust God had good plans for him no matter what, God could work it all together for good.

A month later, Derek got a better deal–a home even more wonderful than the one he’d initially wanted! It doesn’t always work out like that, but it does always work together for the good of those who love God, whether we see it now, a year from now, or from heaven’s perspective.

Leave space in your worldview for God. Humans make mistakes, but if we fixate on the consequences of every error, wondering “what if”, we can torture ourselves into tremendous unhappiness. Instead, remind yourself that God loves you and can work through anything! God sees a much bigger picture and knows what you need even before you do. Trust Him with all outside your control.