All Things Work Together for Good
Thinking about Romans 8:28.
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
When Christians suffer, God does not leave us alone in our suffering.
Paul describes how God continues to “work together for good” for His people.
All things work together for good.
Remember, this is in the context of “the sufferings of this present time” (Romans 8:18). So what Paul does not mean is that God will make sure Christians never suffer any hardship.
As Christians look to the Scriptures, we find one example after another of God causing “all things to work together for good” for His people.
The great certainty of the Old Testament and constant refrain is that God is good and does good for His people. For example, Joseph affirmed that what his brothers did to him for evil, God worked it out for his good (Genesis 50:19-20). - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 296
This represents a “biblical confidence in the sovereignty of God” (NET Bible Translator Notes).
This blessing is for those who love God and are called by Him.
This blessing and confidence in God’s sovereignty is reserved for “those for love God” - the ones “who are the called according to His purpose.”
To be “called” according to God’s “purpose” is to be part of the community He has destined to be His people and to be part of the divine purposes (Romans 9:11; Ephesians 1:1; 3:11; 2 Timothy 1:9). - Pollard, Truth for Today Commentary, 296
Our calling by God is not by some mysterious feeling or experience - but God calls us by His word, by the gospel.
…that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. (1 Thessalonians 2:12-13)
Those who respond to God’s word and submit their lives to Him truly love Him.
If you love me, you will obey my commandments. (John 14:15)
Those who love God and submit their lives to Him can have complete confidence that no matter what they face, God still sits on the throne and is working all things together for good.
Especially as we look forward to what awaits us.
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. (Romans 8:18)
God can use any situation - any circumstance - in a Christian’s life for good. How many times do we observe this throughout the Bible?
Joseph
Naomi and Ruth
David
Daniel
Paul
And the list could go on.
There is NO THING that cannot be turned to your good and God’s glory if you continue to love the Master. NO THING! - McGuiggan, Romans, 252
My favorite scripture. This year been the most challenging of my entire adult life. I go to Ronans 8:28 and I'll read 29,30.
This is first email in my in box. It's 6:40 AM CST. reading this is starting my day in such a perfect way and whatever happens throughout the day all I have to do is recite this scripture. I know it by heart. Thank you for this. No matter how many times i read or recite this verse it's edifying. I didn't expect to see it this morning and I am so grateful that you chose scripture. I hope everyone who reads understands that no matter what we face Jesus is with us and that beings me comfort and will carry me through the day. A very creative sister in Christ painted a picture with this scripture. This year hasn't been easy and when I had to leave my former church family she painted a beautiful picture with this scripture.
Thank you so much, Jameson for being a constant in the spheres of our online community. God is too good to us. I will continue to keep my minds set on the things above, weeping truly only endures for a moment! 🙏🏾