‘‘We know that all things work together for good to those who love God.’’ Romans 8:28
This is one of the most often quoted and comforting Scriptures in the Bible: ‘We know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose’ (v. 8). This verse is to believers; to redeemed children of God who love the Lord and walk according to His purposes and operate according to scriptural principles. Interestingly, the Bible translates our English word ‘know’ from a Greek word meaning we know ‘intuitively’. Something within us says, ‘I don’t understand it and can’t explain it, but I know that God is at work and something good will come out of it.’ Note the words ‘things work together’. Would you enjoy eating baking soda? Or flour? No. But when you put them together, add a few other ingredients, mix them up, and place them in the oven, they come out as something ‘good’. When the Bible says, ‘All things’, it includes things that are painful, unfair, and difficult. The path to the throne of Egypt led Joseph through betrayal, slander, false imprisonment, and disappointment. But looking back, he could say, ‘But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day’ (Genesis 50:20). In ways you cannot see or understand right now, what you are going through is working for your good. Do you love God? Do you believe that He has a plan and purpose for your life? Are you endeavouring to please Him? Then trust Him to work ‘all things’ out for your good.
