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. – Romans 8:28
This is one of the most beloved, quoted verses in the Bible. On mugs, t-shirts, wall art, bookmarks; highlighted and double under-lined in many Bibles. And with good reason. It grounds us in God’s sovereign love for us – His children – and it lifts us to hopeful joy and expectation in the work of God in all circumstances, even in dark and confusing times. Even our own sin – though we would never call sin ‘good’ – is taken up in the providential work of God to somehow be worked together for our good. There is nothing in the life of a Christian that is not captured in the “all things” of this verse. As Christians, there are many things we do not know, but this is one truth of which we can be absolutely assured. There may be times when we don’t feel it, yet we can know.
We need to note that the “good” is defined (in case we had missed the thrust of this chapter) in the following verses as our glorification. It is not our immediate comfort or material provision or healing. It is not found in getting an answer or an explanation for the events of our lives. Neither is it that “something better is coming” in this life. God is working all things together for our glorification. In that path to glorification, our suffering and weakness is bound up; not that the suffering is “paid for” by the glory, but that glory will be brought about through suffering.
But here is where my heart twinges, and where I have delayed writing this devotion. Paul, not by accident, applies this promise to “those who love Him”. By strong implication, there is a part for us to play in the outworking of this promise. I’m not trying to say that God isn’t the principal and ultimate One who effects His plans, but that somehow, our response also works into God’s work. The way that we love, or the degree to which we love, God has an effect. It is the reason that non-Christians – who don’t love God at all – are not given this promise.
Tim Keller, in his study “Romans 8-16 for You” says,
“If you love God for who he is in himself, you make a commitment and you endure difficulty. But if you are using God for what he gives you, you bail out when suffering comes.”
Perhaps one reason this verse is the favourite of many is that it seems to imply that we are passive in the good out-workings of our lives, especially when taken out of the context. But our response to all things (not just suffering) in our lives is governed by the way we love God, and where we fall short (as we inevitably will), this is an opportunity for us and the Holy Spirit to work towards our being more like Jesus (which is the goal of glorification!).
Those who don’t love God will not submit to God and will not submit to this process, and so there will be no good that comes from any of their life. They may show kindness, generosity, make discoveries that improve lives, and these are good things, but they will not participate in the ultimate good that God has ordained for those who love Him.
Many of us have friends and family, and definitely acquaintances who don’t love God. Their lives may seem to be quite good and they may be great people to have around, it may seem that they are fine as they are, but they are not. Sometimes we may get distracted by the earthly “goods” they have in the lives and neglect the weightier eternal “good” that is completely absent. We might feel awkward to suggest that they need God in their lives, but the truth of this verse (both for us and for them) should fill us with urgency to pray and seek opportunities to show them Jesus.
I haven’t forgotten us and our responses.
How do you respond when things are going well, when great things are happening? Do you respond in praise and thanksgiving to God, remembering that everything is from Him and that nothing you have is earned or deserved? Do you hold these blessings lightly, or do you feel a sense of entitlement? Are you generous with yourself and your possessions, ready to give up all if that is what God asks?
How do you respond when things aren’t going well, when difficulties and trials abound? Do you look for someone to blame (is it always someone else’s fault?)? Do you question God’s goodness and plans? Do you rush into action to try to fix things, pouring all your efforts there, rather than submit the situation to God? Do you lose motivation and hope? Can you submit your flaws and weakness and repent of sin to God, acknowledging your part in hard times? Are you able and willing to relinquish control to God and let go of “goods” that are lost or withheld? To what extent does your pain become such a focus that you cannot see beyond yourself to the needs of others?
There are many questions we could ask ourselves, even more than are mentioned above, but consider your situation right now and spend some time with the Holy Spirit, asking Him to show you what needs attention in your heart. You may find that He brings to mind “old” joys and sufferings (I know He did for me) where there is still working-out to be done.
We know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His name. We can know this and rest in it. We work out our salvation and take this work seriously, but our glorification does not rest on our works. Ultimately, it is God who works in and for those who love Him, and He will bring us into His Glory, conformed to the image of His beloved Son. He has promised, and it will be done.
Prayer focus:
- Praise God that we have full assurance that He is sovereign and will bring us to glory
- Pray that we would work out our salvation, being active in our sanctification
- Pray that we would not be distracted by worldly “goods” and that we would see the truly how much every person needs the ultimate Good. Pray for the people God has placed in your sphere of influence, that God would use you to show them Jesus.
