All Things Work Together?
What’s your favorite Bible verse?
It is difficult for me to choose one, but Romans 8:28 has been in my top five for a long time! Here’s what it says:
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
We can discern several principles from this verse. The Apostle Paul writes that….
“We know that” - These words denote great confidence. Paul does not say we “think” or we “suppose.” He says we “KNOW.” The following truth Paul will declare is a certainty.
“In all things”- Paul does not say in “some” things. He does not even say in “most” things. The following truth Paul will declare applies to “ALL” things.
“God works for the good” - Notice that it is God who does the working. And what does He work for? He works for the good. The good of whom?
“Of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” - These are the qualifications for who receives this promise: Someone who, first, loves God. This person is not only a fan of God or what God can do, but he or she truly loves God. And next, someone who has been called according to His purpose. If someone truly loves God, He has called him or her, because He loves us first (1 John 4:19).
That all sounds great, but what does it mean?
Does it mean that everything works out to our preference in the end?
What does it look like for God to work things together for our good?
I believe we find the answer in the next verse, Romans 8:29:
29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
Did you catch the part about being “conformed to the image of his Son”?
What if our ultimate good is to look more like Jesus?
What if that difficult situation you went through or are going through does not necessarily pan out, BUT on the other side of it, you look more like Jesus?
My friend, let’s make that the standard of what we deem to be good: thinking, talking, and acting more like Jesus.
We won’t enjoy every part of life on this side of eternity. But if these life happenings help us look more like the Son, Christ Jesus, then God has indeed worked it together for our good and His glory.
So can God work all things together for your good?
Absolutely.
Your Sister-Friend,
Leah
