The Good in All Things - Even the Bad Ones?

Standing on The Promise of Romans 8:28

“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 (NIV)

There’s a deep peace that comes when we stop fighting to understand every “why” and instead rest in the truth of Romans 8:28. It doesn’t promise that everything feels good, or that we’ll always understand the plan. It simply promises that God is working — always — for the good of those who love Him.

That one verse can change everything when we truly submit to it.

When Life Doesn’t Make Sense

There are seasons when life feels heavy and confusing — when prayers seem to bounce off the ceiling, when the job falls through, the diagnosis comes back, or someone walks away. In those moments, it’s easy to wonder if God has forgotten us. But Romans 8:28 reminds us that even in the chaos, He’s weaving something beautiful behind the scenes.

Our perspective is limited to the moment, but God sees the entire story. What looks like loss might be protection. What feels like failure might be preparation. And what seems silent might be the sacred space where God is doing His deepest work.

For many, life’s trials can induce doubt and distress. However, the assurance found in Romans 8:28 provides a beacon of hope. Understanding that even adverse circumstances can be transformed for good encourages believers to maintain their faith during periods of hardship. The verse reassures Christians that they are not alone in their struggles; rather, their challenges are integral to God’s ultimate plan for their lives. This understanding can foster patience and resilience, allowing individuals to navigate their tribulations with a renewed sense of purpose and trust in God’s sovereignty.

Moreover, this promise also establishes a foundation for community support among believers. When faced with adversity, those who share faith in this scriptural truth can uplift one another, emphasizing the collective journey of faith. This shared belief reminds Christians that they are part of a larger narrative woven by God – a narrative where every experience, good or bad, contributes to a greater tapestry of understanding and grace.

Ultimately, dwelling on the promise of Romans 8:28 guides believers toward a profound acceptance of their life's circumstances. It cultivates a spirit of hope, urging individuals to embrace their journeys, knowing that every moment serves a divine purpose in God's overarching plan. Ultimately striving to get to a place where we can do like James instructs in 1:2-3 and "count it all joy when we fall into various trials because we know that that the testing of our faith produces patience."

Joseph's Journey: A Biblical Example

The story of Joseph, found in the Book of Genesis, serves as a compelling illustration of the principles outlined in Romans 8:28, particularly the concept that God can work through all circumstances for good. Joseph, the favored son of Jacob, initially faced immense challenges that would test his faith and resilience. His brothers, driven by jealousy, betrayed him and sold him into slavery in Egypt. This harrowing act of betrayal is pivotal in understanding how God’s providence operates even in adverse situations.

As a slave in Egypt, Joseph endured hardship but maintained his integrity, which led to his rise in Potiphar’s household. However, after being falsely accused of misconduct, Joseph found himself imprisoned. Despite these grave injustices, he remained faithful to God and used his gift of interpreting dreams to provide insight during his imprisonment. This loyalty and perseverance did not go unnoticed, and eventually, his ability was recognized by Pharaoh, the ruler of Egypt.

Joseph's ascension to power came after he correctly interpreted Pharaoh’s dream, predicting seven years of abundance followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's wisdom, Pharaoh appointed him as second in command, giving him the authority needed to save countless lives during the famine, including those of his own family who once betrayed him. This remarkable turnaround underscores a vital theme of Romans 8:28: God's ability to transform suffering and betrayal into opportunities for blessing and restoration.

Every painful chapter was a step toward the purpose God had planned all along. When Joseph finally revealed himself to the brothers that had betrayed him, he said something remarkable:

"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, to save many people alive. "Genesis 50:20

Ultimately, Joseph's story exemplifies how God's hand was intricately woven throughout his life journey. His experiences highlight that even during the darkest moments, there lies a greater purpose that can lead to unprecedented good. Joseph's life serves as a testament to the belief that, regardless of circumstances, faith and perseverance can yield transformative results aligned with divine intentions. God is always working, even when it seems like there is no hope.

Growing Through the Valleys: Lessons on Faith

Life often presents us with significant challenges, depicting valleys that may seem dark and daunting. However, these valleys serve a greater purpose, functioning as fertile ground for spiritual growth. Just as flowers bloom in the meandering valleys, we too can witness our faith blossoming amid adversity. The trials we encounter can cultivate deeper understanding and reliance on God, encouraging us to transform our hardships into opportunities for growth and testimony.

Consider the story of Joseph, who faced a multitude of trials including betrayal, enslavement, and imprisonment. Instead of succumbing to despair, Joseph chose to maintain his faith and trust in God's plan. His journey exemplifies the premise that valleys are not the end; rather, they are opportunities that can lead to profound personal transformation. As we reflect on Joseph's resilience, we are reminded that enduring life's struggles can result in a more robust character, enriched faith, and an enduring hope.

Practical steps can also facilitate growth while navigating difficult periods. Daily practices such as prayer and reading scripture allow individuals to connect with God and find comfort in His promises. Engaging in supportive community activities or seeking counsel from trusted mentors further fosters spiritual development. These methods serve to show that our valleys can become places of learning and flourishing, encouraging us to embrace the trials rather than resist them. By shifting our perspective on hardships, we can cultivate a faith that thrives even in the face of adversity.

I attended a women's study once and heard something profound there that has stuck with me. We cannot know the fullness of God's character if we never need him for certain things, if we never need comfort, we cannot know him as a comforter, if we never need protection, we cannot know him as a might fortress, if we never need a provision, we cannot know him as a provider. Having these "valley" seasons are often where we experience these characteristics of God and learn to lean more fully on Him and that is a gift.

In conclusion, the journey through life’s valleys, while challenging, can yield beautiful blooms of faith, character, and hope. Embracing these moments offers us the chance to deepen our relationship with God and emerge stronger and more resilient.

Trusting God in All Circumstances

Applying the teachings of Romans 8:28 in our daily lives requires a conscious effort to trust in God's wisdom and goodness, especially during challenging times. It is important for believers to recognize that life's difficulties do not negate God's sovereignty or His ability to bring good out of adverse situations. This perspective shift is foundational for developing a deeper faith.

One practical step to actively trust in God is through prayer. Engaging in regular, earnest dialogue with God allows believers to express their fears, concerns, and hopes. This communication fosters a sense of peace and assurance, reinforcing the understanding that God is present in every circumstance. It also serves as a reminder of His past faithfulness and the many ways He has worked in their lives before. Keeping a prayer journal can be particularly beneficial; over time, it will serve as tangible evidence of God's goodness and provision.

Another vital aspect of trusting God in all circumstances is the support of a faith community. Surrounding oneself with fellow believers who share similar values can provide encouragement and strength during tough times. Engaging in group studies or fellowship activities can serve to remind individuals that they are not alone in their struggles. Sharing personal testimonies within the community can also highlight how God works through various trials, reinforcing the belief that all things work together for good.

Submitting to the truth of Romans 8:28 means surrendering our need for control. It means saying, “God, even when I don’t see You, I trust You.”
That kind of faith transforms us.

It shifts our focus from asking “Why is this happening to me?” to “How might God use this for His good?”

When we surrender to His sovereignty, peace begins to replace panic. Hope starts to grow in the soil of uncertainty. We stop resisting what God is allowing and start partnering with what He is doing, believing that even if we never fully understand why this is happening or what it's working to accomplish God knows and He is building something inside you that is needed for the next mountain and the next valley. He is so, so good that is a hallmark of His character and that is what we can stand firm on today.

Blessings friends.