28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29 For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (ESV)

I was challenged earlier this week by a wonderful woman to read this passage and wrestle with what it is saying. To be encouraged by what it is saying. To let it speak to me and mold me.

A few of the things that have stood out to me follows:

1. Some individuals God foreknew would have a soft heart towards him- does not mean He chooses some over others (as in Calvinistic teachings) whether they will be saved or not. The reason I think this, "firstborn among many brothers". To me that says many people will be saved and that there is a special need/ place for each to fulfill.

 After reading more about birth order with firstborns, there is a common theme amongst them- leaders, movers, shakers, nurturers... This leads me to think that God knew some would have a soft heart and naturally want to be used by Him, so He had a predestined job for them. Like a company that sees an individual which they believe would be a good fit for a particular position, so they "groom" that individual for that position.

2. Conformed means to correspond or comply, to be similar. To act or be in accord, to comply. Speaks of softness, more likely, a willingness, to me. (softness in willingness to be molded, not necessarily a doormat or easy to do) As anyone will agree, compliance doesn't always mean you have an easy job. Compliance can be a very difficult decision, one that many times means pulling up the boot straps and forging onward.

Generally one doesn't call an individual unless they have some knowledge that said individual will comply or assist as needed. Ties in with God foreknowing certain individual's hearts.

3. Justified means to demonstrate or prove right, just or valid. What is apparent to me with this subject is it says nothing about us justifying if we are right or not. We are to do as called, God will prove us right, just and valid. Maybe not necessarily how we think it should happen or when it should happen, but that it will happen non-the-less. So to the waiting room we go for when He surely will show up.

4. Glorified means to give glory, honor or high praise. So in addition to being proved right, God will also honor for the hard work, for going along with his call, for being compliant.

In summation, I believe that the passage says the following:

In all things, good, bad, ugly, God will work for those who love Him, who are compliant and willing to follow His call, for their good. God does know some people will naturally have a more tuned in heart, soft heart, that is willing to be molded. He will take those individuals and mold them to reflect His son. He called them so He will prove them right and valid. He will honor them for being compliant. In His time...

Bright star! would I were steadfast as thou art—
   Not in lone splendour hung aloft the night,
And watching, with eternal lids apart,
   Like Nature's patient sleepless Eremite,
The moving waters at their priestlike task
   Of pure ablution round earth's human shores,
Or gazing on the new soft fallen mask
   Of snow upon the mountains and the moors—
No—yet still steadfast, still unchangeable,
   Pillow'd upon my fair love's ripening breast,
To feel for ever its soft fall and swell,
   Awake for ever in a sweet unrest,
Still, still to hear her tender-taken breath,
And so live ever—or else swoon to death.

www.brightstar-movie.com