“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
We must believe that God has a will and a purpose for all things, although we cannot always fully understand how it works out for our good.
Our verse to ponder is one that is used quite frequently and sometimes misused or misunderstood. We must notice that verse 27 ends with “according to the will of God,” and verse 28 ends with “according to His purpose.” In other words, we should never try to understand “all things” apart from God’s will and purpose.
First, we must see the overall will and purpose of God in His divine plan for the ages. In the context of Romans 8 we span from “no condemnation (judgment)” in 8:1 to “no separation” in 8:39. In between we are instructed concerning prayer, predestination, foreknowledge, calling, justification, and glorification. Also, we must acknowledge that God, as the Creator of the universe, makes everything work together perfectly for good. All life and growth is sustained because what God created “in the beginning” works together for good. In fact, the expression “works together” tells us that various compounds, when in right proportion, fulfill the purpose intended. This is true in medicine and the physical laws that control all things.
Oftentimes “things” that occur in our lives are the result of a combination of events. In the physical universe, everything has to come together just right in order for it to snow. It just doesn’t happen. Something that occurred earlier in our life may join with later events in our life to work out perfectly for God’s glory and for our good. For example, a mother may pray for her child’s salvation, later on someone else will witness to him, later a passage from God’s Word will be used. Finally, all of this will work together in his salvation. This verse of Scripture in 1 Corinthians 3:6 is appropriate:
“I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase.”
A caution must be noted in our thoughts and considerations of Romans 8:28. This truth is directed “to them that love God,” “to them who are the called according to His purpose.” An atheist cannot receive benefits from the truth of this verse. He or she might receive something from God’s creation even though they deny Him, yet when God’s love and understanding is needed in events that occur, they have no hope. In fact, unless they trust the Lord of glory, things are working together for their destruction. God doesn’t promise that our sins will work out for good. We must yield to God’s Word and plan for our lives. Then He will put it all together and much good will result. Yes, all things are working together and fitting into a plan for good to those that love God and are called according to His purpose. What wonderful assurance and comfort to know that our lives are in His hand and under His control.
Faith in God’s good leading is the best-known antidote for fear!
