All Things

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

It is interesting to me to see how people use Scripture. Often, the Bible is treated like a box of Cracker Jack–reach in and pull out a prize! This verse from Romans gets flashed around a lot when things start to go south and people want to sound spiritual. Or, when they want to comfort someone who has made a terrible decision, and the consequences are looming. Of course, it is Scripture and therefore true, but the key is in the interpretation.

Note how Paul begins–“and we know”–that is, be assured that this is true. Do not doubt this promise that God is in control of what is happening here. However, it is the next phrase that often is overlooked–“that for those who love God.” All things do work together for good when our destiny is resting in His hands, when our lives are oriented to the truth of His Word, when our faith is in the finished work of redemption that Christ accomplished for us on the cross. All things work together for good, because God is building character in us (Romans 5:1-5), because despite all difficulty, He has overcome the world (John 16:33), and because one day, we will experience the glorious appearing of our Savior (Titus 2:13) and from that moment on, we will forever be with Him (I Thessalonians 4:17).

For those of us who love God, everything is working together for our good, because everything that happens, good or bad, delightful or devastating, brings us one step closer to the glories of eternity (Revelation 21:4).

-Pastor Mike