If you grew up in a Christian home, you are likely familiar with the phrase “All things work together for the good.” Personally, I’ve recalled these words to memory at least a thousand times since junior high. Many of us look to this promise of a brighter future, in the midst of difficult circumstances. And we put our trust in these words because they aren’t just some nice sentiments, but were penned by the Apostle Paul in the holy scriptures. In fact, Romans 8:28 is one of the most referenced bible verses by both Christians and non-Christians alike to encourage, to comfort, and to provide hope for the future.

Is it really true?

We might not admit it openly, but in times of hardship, we can quietly wonder if all things really are working together for good. Consider those who have walked away from God, whose lives are a mess, who seem to be spiraling toward disaster. They once claimed to be a Christian. Is everything working together for their good? Consider those who attend church weekly, but are constantly in spiritual turmoil, are personally unfulfilled, and are full of complaints? They claim to be a Christian. Is everything working together for their good? If this verse isn’t true in their lives, are we trusting in empty words?

Suffering…

Add a little suffering or difficulty to our lives, and we really begin to doubt. Yet, this is who Paul was trying to encourage with these words. He was writing to those who share in Christ’s suffering. (For further study on suffering, listen to the message “Suffering” from Romans 8:17-28 by Pastor Tim Dodson.)

Due to our present suffering, we can also come up with theological arguments to defend Romans 8:28 while denying its spiritual and practical implications for our lives. For example, we may agree that all things are working for God’s good, but not necessarily for ours. The problem with this argument is that Romans 8:28 isn’t talking about what is good for God… The verse continues “all things work together for the good… for those…” The good that God intends is for us personally. When we argue that this verse is all about what is good for God, we conveniently sidestep the honest examination of our lives. Are all things working together for the good… for us? And if not, why not?

If we love God…

The living bible continues the verse this way, “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good… if we love God…“ The word “if” is a qualifier. Meaning in order for all things to work together for good, we must love God. This is one reason why things might not be working out.

Our greatest call in scripture is to love God (Matthew 22:37-38)… and we are told to do so with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Luke 10:27). But does God have our innermost affections? Do we meditate on him in the evening, like David? Do we wake up before the morning light to spend time with Him, like Jesus? Are we diligently applying our minds to His scriptures? Do we serve Him with all our strength?

God isn’t expecting perfection… But He does know those who are His… and those who truly love Him. Do we love God? If not, we cannot expect all things to work together for good. In fact, we should expect quite the opposite.

And are fitted into His plans…

The living bible finishes the verse this way, “And we know that all that happens to us is working for our good if we love God… and are fitted into His plans…” The word “and” indicates this is the second qualifier. Meaning in order for all things to work together for our good, we must be “fitted into His plans.” This is another reason why things might not be working out.

We must evaluate our life in the context of His plans. Are we living where he wants us to live? Do we involve ourselves in the church He wants us to be in? Are we working the job he wants us to work? Do we serve in the ministry He asked us to serve in? Are we being who he created us to be?

We may not have all the answers to these questions. King David started out as a shepherd boy, was promoted to a music leader, then a captain of the army, before becoming King of Israel. We may not be at our final destination today. But are we on the right path? If we are sidestepping his plans today, we have no guarantee that things will work together for our good in the future. In fact, they probably won’t.

Putting it all together…

If things just aren’t working out for us spiritually or practically, it may be time to reevaluate our lives in the light of Romans 8:28. Perhaps God is calling us out. He may be asking us to love Him… and we haven’t been. He may be telling us to abandon our plan… because He has a better one. Do we trust Him? Will we repent where we recognize we are out of line?

But if we are loving Him… despite our numerous imperfections… And if we are fitted into His plans… to the best of our limited understanding… He wrote Romans 8:28 to encourage us. He wants to remind us today that all things really are working together for our good. Peter puts it this way, “He will give you, through his great power, everything you need for living a truly good life” (2 Peter 1:3 TLB). Do we trust Him?

He’s a good God. He loves us. And He has our best interests in mind. May we love Him… And be fitted into His plans…