Key Bible Verse: God causes everything to work together for the good of those … called according to his purpose for them (Romans 8:28). Bonus Reading:Isaiah 26:3–4

Bernard Gilpin was an Anglican preacher during the 16th century reign of Queen Mary, a monarch who put many preachers to death. He was arrested and taken on horseback to London to be tried for preaching the gospel. As he traveled to what was sure to be death in the flames, he kept repeating, "Everything is for the best." His captors made fun of this remark.

On his way, he fell from his horse and broke his leg. This made his captors especially merry. But Gilpin quietly insisted, "I have no doubt but that this painful accident will prove to be a blessing." He was delayed because of the injury and arrived in London several days later than planned. As they approached the prison, they heard bells ringing merrily in the city. Asking the meaning, they were told, "Queen Mary is dead, and there'll no more be burning of Protestants!"

"Ah," said Gilpin, "you see, it's all for the best."

So a Christian can say, "Everything is for the best" as he faces downsizing in his company that's struggling because of an economic recession, for he knows that the One who owns the cattle on a thousand hills is with him.

My response: What am I facing that, likewise, is all for the best?

Thought to Apply: Minds that rest in God cannot be frightened, but go on like a clock during a thunderstorm.