Romans 8:28 is probably one of the best-known scriptures in the Bible.  “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”  According to God’s plan.

I think this is probably also one of the most perplexing verses in scripture.  How can we possibly say that “all things work for the good”?  There are so many tragic and horrendous things happening.  Christians are being martyred for proclaiming their faith; we have wars and pestilence; babies are being killed every day, even in America.  Thousands are starving or don’t have clean drinking water.  How can these things work for the good?  How could anything “good” possibly come of these things?

We must realize that God is sovereign.  He sees both sides of the tapestry when we can’t.  He is in control of every aspect of our life.  When we face suffering, God is able to make these times work for our good and His good.

Suffering is part of God’s plan

We sometimes think this scripture says that we will never face these terrible things.  We will never suffer.  I’m sorry, but that is not what this scripture means.  It means that even though we can’t see the outcome, it is still part of God’s plan.

We try to limit God to our finite minds.  We try to put Him in a box that we have designed.  There is no limit to what God can do through our pain and suffering.  We just have to trust Him.

When suffering arises, and it surely will, remember these words.  The scripture says, “all things”.  This is a promise for those who love God.  God manages the affairs of our life because we are called according to His purpose. Trust Him with your life.  He knows how to make all things work for the good whether we realize it or not.