“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Over forty years ago, as a very young pastor, I was visiting an elderly parishioner. This dear lady had a great sense of humor, which was just a little twisted in nature! She seemed to find great delight in making you think for a moment that she was angry about something, only to find out that she was teasing. As my visit with her that day was coming to a conclusion, I asked her if there was a particular Scripture that she would like me to read. Without batting an eyelash she said, “Read me the believer’s rocking chair!” I had very recently graduated from Bible school, and immediately I tried thinking of the various classes I had taken to come up with teaching on the believer’s rocking chair! For the life of me I could not think of what that Scripture could be. She scowled and looked straight at me as she said, “And you claim to be a preacher. What kind of preacher doesn’t know the believer’s rocking chair? Why you might as well give up right now if you don’t know the believer’s rocking chair!” I must have looked crushed as she burst out laughing. Quickly she said, “I just made it up right now. It’s Romans 8:28, read this to me.” I have never forgotten that call. Every time I read it, or preach Romans 8:28, I think of that dear lady and her “believer’s rocking chair.” We truly can trust in and rest upon God’s precious promise.

For today: Be watching how God is working everything out to good for them that love Him according to His own purpose.