All Things Work For Good

Romans 8:28  ‘And we know that all things work together for good to those that love God, to those that are called according to His purpose.’

In the midst of the difficulties, conflicts, discouragements, defeats and problems of everyday life, this verse has to be one of the most encouraging promises of the entire Bible.  And it’s probably one of the most difficult to accept as applicable in all circumstances.  How does one reconcile the loss of a career job, the premature loss of a loved one or the news of a terminal illness with ‘all things working for good?’  To do so, we must pause and consider the type of God we know and serve.  Our God is omniscient, and is aware of every detail of every life.  He is also omnipotent, and is able to manipulate every circumstance which affects our life, again down to the most minute detail.  And probably most important, He loves with an infinite love and desires that ‘all things work for good’ for His children.  Altogether, we have a God Who is able to deliver on every promise, and as Ephesians 3:20 so eloquently describes ‘is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think.’

 And this is not a promise that will only be realized when our earthly journey is over; it is a promise meant to be realized here and now.  But, like many of God’s promises, it is conditional on our love for God and to some extent obedience to His plan and will for our individual lives.  God never takes away the right to exercise our free will.  When we make decisions that are outside of God’s will, sometimes in willful disobedience, we can hardly expect that the outcomes will be favorable and blessed by God.  We are called ‘according to His purpose’, that is with a plan and purpose will result in an abundant life which will bring glory to our Creator God.  It is helpful to remember the words of a song which remind us that ‘I don’t need to understand – I just need to hold His hand.’

Do you expect all things to ‘work for good’ in your life?

Why do you think bad things happen to good people, and vice-versa?

Should Christians expect less hardship than others?