Hated stuff...

I recently heard Joni Eareckson Tada say something in an interview that was profound!

She was being interviewed by Pastor Jonathan Falwell in a video played in a Thomas Road Church service.

Here is what she said... "God permits what He hates to accomplish that which He loves."

Wow! That resonated with me! There are things I know I hate when they happen in my life. But to hear this awesome woman of God, who has been through great suffering, say that about God is very encouraging.

God hates some things too. He hates evil in every form. So, the question is, why does He even tolerate it? Why does He allow these bad things to happen to us?

There is no simple answer to those questions. HOWEVER, there is at least one biblical encouragement that is reflected in Joni's quote. It is a familiar verse to many Christ followers, but one that is often misunderstood or trivialized. The verse... Romans 8:28! No matter what happens in our lives, as members of God's forever family, we know He is using it for our good. He is using it to draw us closer to Jesus and to make us more like Him!

So, remember what Joni said when you are hurting or even angry about the hated stuff in your life... "God permits what He hates to accomplish that which He loves."