(1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. 1:11), and it is
covenant" (Psalm 25:10). If every path has mercy in it, then it works for good.
The best things work for good to the godly
WE shall consider, first, what things work for good to the godly; and here we shall show that both the best things and the worst things work for their good. We begin with the best things.
1. God's attributes work for good to the godly.
(1). God's power works for good. It is a glorious power (Col. 1:11), and it is engaged for the good of the elect.
God's power works for good, in supporting us in trouble. "Underneath are the everlasting arms" (Deut. 33:27). What upheld Daniel in the lion's den? Jonah in the whale's belly? The three Hebrews in the furnace? Only the power of God. Is it not strange to see a bruised reed grow and flourish? How is a weak Christian able, not only to endure affliction, but to rejoice in it? He is upheld by the arms of the Almighty. "My strength is made perfect in weakness" (2 Cor. 12:9).
The power of God works for us by supplying our lacks. God creates comforts when means fail. He who brought food to the prophet Elijah by ravens, will bring sustenance to His people. God can preserve the "oil in the cruse" (I Kings 17:14). The Lord made the sun on Ahaz's dial go ten degrees backward: so when our outward comforts are declining, and the sun is almost setting, God often causes a revival, and brings the sun many degrees backward.
The power of God subdues our corruptions. "He will subdue our iniquities" (Micah 7:19). Is your sin strong? God is powerful, He will break the head of this leviathan. Is your heart hard? God will dissolve that stone in Christ's blood. "The Almighty makes my heart soft" (Job 23:16). When we say as Jehoshaphat, "We have no might against this great army"; the Lord goes up with us, and helps us to fight our battles. He strikes off the heads of those goliath lusts which are too strong for us.
The power of God conquers our enemies. He stains the pride, and breaks the confidence of adversaries. "You shall break them with a rod of iron" (Psalm 2:9). There is rage in the enemy, malice in the devil, but power in God. How easily can He rout all the forces of the wicked! "It is nothing for you, Lord, to help" (2 Chr. 14:11). God's power is on the side of His church. "Happy are you,