GPS-Everything Happens for a Reason

01 / Sun – Read Romans 8:28

Overview: “Everything Happens For A Reason” is a wonderful lie embraced by many. Sometimes the reason something happens is because of the choices we make, or simply not paying attention to what’s happening around us. Don’t overthink it.

02 / Mon – Many and varied reasons  |  Read Romans 8:28-29 / Titus 1:2

You have heard this half-truth: everything happens for a reason. It’s not found in the Bible, but the truth is: things happen for many reasons, and actions generate reactions, either good or bad. Hurtful reactions come when something is said or done out of anger or stupidity or without thinking. But Paul assured the Romans that, no matter the reason, God can and will bring something good from it. This rock-solid promise is from a God who cannot lie. Who else needs to hear this hope?

03 / Tue – Samson  |  Read Judges 13:1-5 / Judges 16:19-31

God predestined and predicted Samson’s birth. He did become a leader, and he did free his people from the Philistines, as God had ordained that he would, but because of Samson’s ungodly choices, his victory over their enemies came at the cost of his own life. God gave Samson extraordinary strength, and God’s purposes were ultimately achieved, as they always are, but Samson’s legacy was tarnished for future generations. What choices are you making now? How will they be seen in the future?

04 / Wed – Thwarting satan’s traps |  Read Mark 14:38

How can you avoid falling into the temptation trap? Read Jesus’ words to his followers after they fell asleep during their prayer time. Somehow, they missed the urgency of what was coming and were unprepared when it happened. Maybe things are good for you right now, but God knows what is ahead. Will you take time for serious conversations with Him? Will you read His word with an open heart and listen carefully to what He is saying? If so, then you will be prepared to face the unexpected.

05 / Thu – Two famous failures  |  Read Matt 27:3-5 / Matt 26:73-75 / John 21:15-17

Even those who walk close to the Lord can fail him. Jesus knew Judas would betray him. He knew Peter would deny him. And it happened as he said. Judas repented, but in his own mind, it was too late. He became his own judge, jury, and executioner. It is not what God wanted, but it’s what Judas chose. Peter’s overconfidence left him unprepared. He did what he vowed he would never do, three times. What was his reaction?  When you fail the Lord, what will you choose to do next?

06 / Fri – Predestination/free will  |  Read Matthew 26;52-54 / John 18:11

It was predestined that Jesus would be born as a baby and die as an innocent man. It was the only solution that could nullify, forever, the power of sin. Being God, Jesus knew all this, but he still had a choice. He could have refused or changed his mind at the last minute and called down angels to rescue him. But he didn’t. The overwhelming depths of his love for humanity compelled him to say yes to the cross. What motivates your choices? What compels you to do the hard things in life and to push through when you want to quit?

07 / Sat – Predicting a veiled future  |  Read Deuteronomy 18:9-22 / Proverbs 3:5-6

What would cause you to peer behind the veil into tomorrow if you could? Some people believe that, if they knew what was coming, they could avoid trouble and have a better life. This age-old desire tempts people to consult with fortune-tellers or others who claim to know the future. The patriarchs lived in a time when this was a common practice, but they chose to let the Lord guide their steps. Will you make the same choice today? And tomorrow? And the next day?