Does God Work Good in All Things?

August 03, 2023

By Brooke Holt

“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

Romans 8:28, one of the most quoted and appreciated passages in Scripture, is also one of the most misunderstood passages. How many times have you heard someone say, “All things happen for a reason”? As my son and I drove home from dinner one night pondering the challenges of our lives, he spoke those words to me followed by a fabulous question: “Doesn’t the Bible say that?” It was one of those teaching opportunities every parent loves! I quoted Romans 8:28 and then explained God is sovereign over all things. Nothing happens in this world without passing through his loving hands and his oversight. God is also perfectly good and will use all things for the good of his people; however, it is also true that sin runs rampant in this world. The evil one still lurks around seeking someone to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8). Some things happen in this world because of Satan’s evil work among us.

God has a plan, and Satan has a plan. Satan plans to bring as much turmoil, division, and hurt into this world as possible with the hope of luring people away from the Lord. For those who are in Christ, Satan cannot take your salvation, but he can rob you of joy and of peace, of trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness, and of knowing that while God allows evil in this world, he can and will redeem every pain, sorrow, and loss. If you allow him, God will take even your most horrific experiences and use them for your good and for the blessing of many others.

Consider how many of the great movements got started in this world. Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) was started by Candace Lightner. Candace was not a politician when she began this organization but a grieving mother. In 1980, a drunk driver killed Candace's thirteen-year-old daughter. What made this situation even more grievous is that the driver was out on bail from another drunk driving incident. Candace’s grief propelled her into action. She began a grass-roots organization that grew into a national organization. At this point in time, MADD has more than 400 chapters and has spearheaded over 700 legislative bills. Candace’s work has saved thousands of lives. God worked good from her tragic loss.

Can and will God work good out of your tragedies? Absolutely. That truth will not change your pain, but when you allow God to work in you and through you, when you allow his healing touch upon you, you will see him redeem your pain. Even better, when you stand before him face to face in glory, your pain will be fully redeemed, fully healed, and you will understand then what you cannot fathom now.

God will work all things together for your good. Choose to believe this divine Truth today!

Reflection:

Where do you need God’s healing touch today? Bring your pain and losses before the Lord. Choose to believe his Word and ask for his redemptive work in your life. We would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Recommended Resource:

Our honest prayer before God is evidence that we understand the ways He loves, cherishes, sees, and hears us. Through prayer, we can acknowledge with Hagar, “You are the living One who sees me” (Genesis 16:14). When we pray, we are affirming the same. Why do we often hide from this privilege? Why do we avoid God, the One who sees us as we are and stands ready to provide and answer us in his holy, timely way? In this 8-week study on the prayers of Job, Ruth, Hannah, and David, grow your prayer life by facing your honest need and bringing your whole self before God. Acknowledging God as the One who guides your path can change your heart. It can take you past fear and into faith, strength, and hope. Learn more about Honest Prayer.