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
A lonely and out-of-work Christian who is struggling to maintain a positive attitude in the face of numerous resume rejections might wonder whether today’s text is true. So might a bewildered sister who has just received news that her tumor is malignant, or a couple who learn that their son or daughter has been killed in a car accident. We all occasionally encounter those situations that make us wonder what good can possibly come of them. Life is riddled with disappointments for saint and sinner alike. But, as with all of Scripture, our text is always true.
Heartaches such as losing a loved one or seeing a wayward son or daughter sink into a sinful lifestyle are very painful and confusing. Diseases, tragedies, and disappointments look so gloomy from our side of life. But we have to remember that God doesn’t look only at the side of life that we can see. As the old hymn says, He knows all about our troubles. But He also knows the end from the beginning. He knows what the final outcome is for everything that is confusing us today. We tend to forget that, because our humanity is so limiting. We can’t see what God has in mind for our blessing, and we can’t see what can emerge for His glory.
God’s desire is always for our blessing. His will is always that we will receive the greatest good. Sometimes, that blessing and good is not in the present or in the short-term future. Sometime, the blessing and good is not in this life. But God knows all about it and we cannot miss out on what He has in store for us. We will never be the losers for enduring the trials that God permits to come our way.
God has received much glory from the sufferings and trials of His people. Their faithfulness in the face of trouble has honoured the Saviour Who they love and serve. His Name has been exalted in their testimony. There is great comfort in knowing that we are bringing honour and praise to the One who suffered for our sins.
All things do work together for good to them that love God. We love Him because he first loved us. And because we love Him, our good is assured. -Jim MacIntosh