Lenten Season Week Two: The Element of Connectivity by E. Philor Sr.

 

Information: And We Know!

Romans 8:28 KJV:

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.

In this day and age, information is at our fingertips. We can have access to anything in a matter of seconds. Thus, it is essential to be authentic and accurate with every word said. This access to information allows us to fact-check people while engaging in conversation. Alexa, Google, and Siri have ended more arguments and possibly relationships than anything else we can imagine. Because we are in the information age. It is a time when we amass information to use it to better our lives. When we set out on our aspirations, the goal is not simply to be the best in the field but also the most informed. There is a belief that more information will guarantee us an opportunity. While it is essential to know the information, it is also crucial to know more people. Because as the say goes, " It's not just what you know but who you know ."The merger of knowing
people and information is the key to success in this age. This is the key to success in the kingdom as well.

Many myths run around the church, proving that we do not know some things we claim to know. This also puts into question whether or not we truly know God. In actuality, some of us are just aware of God but are not in a relationship enough to say we know God. We are aware of God’s presence and ability. We are aware that God can do in the earth and our lives. Why don't we know? The Answer to that question is found in the information we have heard and learned about God. Our relationships with others inform our relationship with God and vice versa. Which makes the statement accurate that you may be the only version of Christ that someone meets. Thus, it is crucial that we have all the information we need about God. So, when people meet us, they will experience The fullness of God and what a life anchored in God looks like.

It is important to remember that being informed by God does not keep us from experiencing the harsh pains of life. It is a benefit for us to be aware, but how about we become informed. People who are aware have no experiential connection to the information. They happen to have the information. Thus, they are aware of it. But those who know the information are eyewitnesses and give testimony. Witnesses share their testimony because they know firsthand. When you know that a restaurant has good food, you go out and tell people about it. Moreover, if you know the restaurant has terrible food, you tell people I would not let my dog eat from there.

This is where Paul finds himself in  Romans 8:28. This is a scripture that is often recited by believers worldwide. It is a comforting scripture for those who find themselves afflicted and hurting. It is also a place of solace for those uncertain about their next move. Most importantly, it is a place of assurance. Paul is sure about this thing because he has experienced it firsthand. If I am honest, the gift for me is not about the entirety of the text. The gift is in the first three words. And! We! Know! As we discuss the concept of connectivity, we need to remember that we are connected because of what we know.

What do we know?

God loved us enough to let His son die to save us. Despite what we do wrong and that our righteousness is like a filthy rag, Jesus died for us.

All of this is information we have access to and should know. And because we know this information, when the bottom of our life drops out, or we have more month than we have money. When we find ourselves and deep despair, we ought to know that ALL things will work together. We have access to that because we are connected, as the text reminds us that everything works together for good for those who love God. Those connected to the kingdom and Love God because those people are called according to His purpose.

Our ability to be informed suggest our relationship with God and our assurance that everything will work out. So, when it seems like nothing can go right, or nothing is working together, rest assured. Do not assume the worse, do not anticipate that only evil can happen or expect an unfavorable report. Even if it seems to be negative, it is for good. That is what we know, and when we truly are informed, we can agree with our elders when they say: you cannot make me doubt Him because I KNOW too much about Him. When we feel overwhelmed by the warfare we are facing and cannot seem to find relief, we can utter the words of David in Psalms 20:6, which says:

“Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed; He will answer him from His holy heaven With the saving strength of His right hand.”

Let's be encouraged by what We Know!