All Things Work Together for Good

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God.”
— Romans 8:28

Whatever the situation, God assures us and promises that all things will work together for good for those who love Him. We can find comfort in the knowledge that our God is at the vessel’s helm when we encounter the storms of life. When our vessel rocks and reels amid the waves of destruction that try to overtake us, He calms the storm. This reassuring knowledge prepares us for everything. When we look over the raging waters and see Jesus walking on the waves of destruction, He quietens our souls. By faith, we hear a still, small voice from within say, “Don’t be afraid, I AM,” for God is whatever we need Him to be.

People on whose behalf all things work for good are those who love God and, consequently, who live in the spirit of obedience. Because we love God, we know that all things work together for our good; God gives us grace, new every morning. The Scripture does not say all things are good; it says all things work together for good. Even our mistakes work in our favor when God is on our side. Because we have faith in God, we become immovable, like a tree planted by life’s rivers. We become bold and unafraid of the powers of darkness when they show up to sift our faith like wheat. Our confidence in God reassures us that no evil shall befall us and that no accident can take us by surprise.

Surpassing Kindness

While evil works against us, God’s providence, which refers to His divine guidance and care, works for us. When God’s Spirit works in us, He causes all things to work together with Him. Whatever troubles, afflictions, or persecutions may arise, God presses them into His service. And these things contribute to the general good of those who love God.

We should never be afraid or subdued in times of suffering and trial because we know God is working all things together for our good. Our God has a perfect plan for our lives, and no one or nothing can change that plan. This plan gives us direction and purpose, guiding us through the storms of life.

God has two purposes in that plan: our good and His glory. Ultimately, He will make us like Jesus Christ! Best of all, God’s plan is going to succeed! It started in eternity past when He chose us in Christ (Ephesians 1:4-5). He predetermined or predestined that we would be like His Son one day. In this context, predestination refers to God’s foreknowledge and sovereignty in determining our ultimate destiny. It applies only to those God has saved by faith in His Son.

God’s Salvation Plan

Nowhere in Scripture are we taught that God predestines people to eternal condemnation. People condemn themselves because they refuse to trust Christ (John 3:18-21). Those whom He chose, He called (2 Thessalonians 2:13-14). When they respond to His call, He justifies and glorifies them. Those of us who believe have already been glorified in Christ (John 17:22); the revelation of this glory awaits the coming of the Lord (Romans 8:21-23). God makes even our mistakes work together for good.

How can we ever be discouraged and frustrated when we already share the glory of God? Our suffering today only guarantees much more glory when Jesus Christ returns!  Whatever you are going through today, remember that everything works together for your good. If you continue to trust God, He will bring it to pass. This promise of future glory fills us with hope and expectation.

Dear God, I know everything is working together for my good. Today, I submit my will to your will. Help me to be obedient to Your still, small voice that softly whispers, “Don’t be afraid; I AM.”