For I consider the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly awaits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility-not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it-in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of corruption into the glorious freedom of God’s children.   Romans 8:18-21 HCSB

The one thing that I always hate to hear is, “I’ve got bad news.” These are words that tend to make my heart sink a little. When someone tells me they have good news and bad news, I always want the bad news first in hopes that the good news will override the bad news.

I long for a life lived in heaven where there is no bad news and where there are no bad days. A life where people just love each other and there is no strife. You don’t have to worry about being betrayed by someone who claims to love you. You don’t have to worry about someone stealing from you. You don’t have to worry about the rising inflation or the rising crime rate. A place where there will be no more heartache and no more tears, no grief, no pain (Revelation 21:4).

In Luke 23:43 Jesus describes heaven as paradise. Revelation 21 describes a beautiful place where gates are made of pearl and light is provided by God’s glory. The walls are adorned with precious stones and the streets are made of the purest gold. The best thing about this place is that we will dwell there forever in the presence of God.

So, wait a minute, why does our title talk about bad news. Well, the bad news is that for now we are stuck here on planet earth. We are waiting. And the bible clearly tells us that we will endure suffering here on earth. But, our scripture passage today tells us that this suffering is nothing compared to the wonderful eternal life that awaits us in heaven. And if you read a little further down in Romans 8:28, we are told that all things work for our good. So the next time someone tells you, “I’ve got bad news”, instead of being filled with fear and dread be filled with hope. If you love the Lord and are doing what He has called you to do then even the bad stuff works out for your good.

There have been many times in my life when my bad news has turned into a blessing. What has seemed like bad news has just been the beginning of a wonderful plan that God had worked out for me. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that He has good plans for us. We must trust in Him even when we receive bad news. We must trust that He is working all things out for our good.

Now, if you are not a child of God and you don’t have a loving relationship with Him, then I am sorry to inform you, but these promises don’t apply to you. You must accept Christ as your savior in order to receive the wonderful mercy, grace, protection and great plans that God has for you.

I struggled blindly for some years thinking I could half way love God, thinking that I could do things my way and keep God on a back burner. I now know that if I want  these wonderful plans and this wonderful protection that he has for me that I must submit to Him.  I must surrender my ways to His will.

Once you are living in the awesome protection that David speaks of in Psalm 91 then you can rest assured that even bad news won’t be so bad. God will bring you through it. In Psalm 23 David tells us that even when we walk through the valley of the shadow of death that we can be unafraid, because God is there with us.

Won’t you do yourself a favor and turn to Him today? If you have already surrendered your will to Him, then know that when someone tells you they’ve got bad news that God is already working it out for you good somehow. In James 1:2-3 we are told that we should consider it joy when we experience trials knowing that when we are tested our faith produces endurance and endurance makes us mature Christians. 1 Peter 5:10 tells us that the God of all grade, who called us to glory in Christ Jesus will personally restore, establish, strengthen, and support us after we have suffered a little.

If you are in close relationship with God, then know that this bad news is going to somehow work out for your good. It may be building up your faith and endurance or it may be the beginning of something wonderful for you, but whatever it is, God’s got it and He will take good care of you.

Have a great day!