Romans 8:28 declares, "And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose."
Yet Solomon, looking at life "under the sun," observes something that feels very different: "I returned and saw under the sun that- The race is not to the swift, Nor the battle to the strong, Nor bread to the wise, Nor riches to men of understanding, Nor favor to men of skill; But time and chance happen to them all. For man also does not know his time: Like fish taken in a cruel net, Like birds caught in a snare, So the sons of men are snared in an evil time, When it falls suddenly upon them." Ecclesiastes 9:11-12
He's right speed doesn't guarantee a win, strength doesn't guarantee victory, wisdom doesn't guarantee provision, and skill doesn't guarantee success. From a merely human perspective, so much seems random, even cruel.
But here's what Solomon couldn't fully see: "time and chance" do not operate outside the sovereign hand of God. Nothing is ultimately random for the child of God.
There is nothing that will happen to you today no matter how painful, confusing, or ordinary, that the Lord is not weaving into His perfect purpose for your good and His glory.
A crumbling situation? He's using it. Conflict at work? He's using it. A season of deep joy and nearness to Him? He's using it.
I have to remind myself of this constantly, preaching the gospel to my own heart: every moment, every detail, is under His control and headed toward my eternal well-being.
So walk with your Father today. Talk to Him about everything. Trust that nothing, not one thing, is wasted.
-To Know Jesus. To Live on Mission.