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I love Romans 8:28, don’t you? God is working all things together for good. He gives me such comfort in that thought. But, to be honest, sometimes, I doubt.
My heart questions, “ALL things? Really?”
When I take my eyes off Jesus and focus on my circumstances that little word “all” becomes a stumbling block.
I often can’t see how God can work through certain situations, hard people, or my own weaknesses and sin. Yet, He says “ALL things.”
But this isn’t good, God!
Of course, scripture never says all things will be good, but that God will work all things together for good. In a good cookie recipe, many of the ingredients are bitter and taste bad alone; but when mixed and baked, they yield a treat to the smell and taste that can also be a comfort food for our weary days.
God never promised us that all things in our lives will be good. Actually, He tells us the opposite. Expect trouble (John 16:33), persecution (2 Timothy 3:12), hardship, and to pay the cost of discipleship. He did promise to be with us and sustain us through each day, each trial, each heartache.
And . . . He promised that somehow He will work ALL things together for good. (Romans 8:28)
I’m no Greek scholar, but those who have studied tell me that in the original language ALL means ALL. Complicated, huh?
So what does this “ALL” include?
Health.
Sickness.
Accidents.
Betrayal.
Depression.
Heartache.
Disabilities.
Success.
Failure.
Wealth.
Poverty.
Good days.
Hard days.
Loss.
Death.
Even our own sin and sins of others that affect us.
If we read and trust God’s Word, we know this is absolutely true, but in our weakness and hard times, we often cry out to God:
“Even this, Lord? Even this?”
His Word rings back: All things.
“But I can’t see how it’s possible, Jesus.”
His Spirit whispers: All things.
“Really, Father? This?”
All things, child.
“Lord, I will trust You. Even in this.”
It’s okay to cry out to Him with our doubts and questions. He is mindful that we are but dust (Psalm 103:14). As our Father, He wants us to come to Him with our burdens. But as we do, let us be open to hear the reply that we know He whispers to our hearts. “All things.”
When Paul, led by the Holy Spirit, penned the words of Romans 8:28, “God works all things together for good,” he wrote from experience. Paul had seen God work through more hardships than we will ever know. He had been shipwrecked, beaten, starved, in prison, in danger, burdened with the cares of the church, and much more! (2 Corinthians 11:23-29). Paul could write these words with confidence that our God and Father who was working all things for good in his life is doing the same for you and me. “And we KNOW God works all things for good.”
Sometimes, God gives us the privilege of seeing how He is working all things for good. Often it’s in hindsight. In the middle of the storm the waves can block our view, but when the calm comes we see more clearly.
Remembering those times can help give us faith for the days when both the middle and long-term aftermath looks and feels hopeless. In our limited perspective, we don’t always see the good God promises. That’s where faith is most important.
We can remind ourselves, “I saw how He worked through Situation A when I thought good was impossible; so I trust He is already working and will work good through Situation B even if I never see it.”
What is causing you to question God’s promise to work ALL things together for good today?
Oh, how He wants to use each circumstance to teach us to trust and depend on Him! (Trust God in the Unexpected)
Display Romans 8:28 where you will see it often. (On your mirror, phone background, computer screensaver, fridge, etc.)
Circle the word ALL.
Then preach it to yourself over and over. Pray over it. Ask your Heavenly Father to help you believe it. Ask Him to help you see it. Ask Him to help you trust even when you can’t see the good. Let Him comfort your aching heart.
*One thing we must remember, this verse is not for everyone. God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This promise is for His children.
Is it for you? If you’re not sure, read What Is the Gospel Anyway? or Know Jesus, Share Jesus to find out more. One of the situations that caused me to temporarily question God’s promise was the home-going of my daddy. Read my thoughts of hope in grief in Is Romans 8:28 Really Possible?”
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