Romans 8:28 is easy to quote to someone else. But what about when it's your turn to suffer? Is there comfort in this passage? Notice two important things as you consider Paul's words here:
(1) All things work together for good but not all things are good. The loss of a job, an overbearing boss, physical illness, or family troubles are not good per se - In fact, often they are the direct result of evil. That's important to observe. Believers are never promised immunity from the problems and pains of the world. Every day we must put up with much that is not good.
(2) Nevertheless, good can come out of bad! This verse promises that God uses all the circumstances of our lives - both good and bad - to shape outcomes that accomplish His purposes for us. And His purposes can only be good, because He is good by definition (James 1:17).
So how can you make this verse work for you as you face tough, troubling times?
- Affirm you trust in God's presence.
- Align your goals with God's purposes.
- Accept the reliability of God's promises.
1 Peter 4:12-19
2 Corinthians 4:17
Ephesians 2:10
Philippians 1:6; 2:13
Romans 8:10
Ephesians 1:5, 11
Colossians 1:15, 18
John 17:22
