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 probably one of the most quoted Bible verses I know, but what does it really mean? Many have come up with various interpretations, but I am not going to try to do the same. Today, I am actually just going to focus of the phrase, “in all things.”
I do not think you can interpret the phrase “in all things” in any other way than what is actually stated. Paul reminds us in the verse above that God works, “in all things” concerning us. A friend of mine recently sent me an email that his grandmother passed away, another called me asking me to pray for her because she lost her job, and yet another came to my door upset because his relationship ended. Was God working in these situations? And if so, why did he not prevent these hurtful things from happening?
One of the many things I have learned in my relationship with God is that there is no such thing as ‘chance’ with believers. We are reminded by David in Psalm 139:16 that “all the days ordained for us were written in God’s books before one of them came to be.” So do you really believe that the situation you are in today came as a surprise to God? I don’t think so! I believe that Christians are brought to different circumstances in life that we may not understand to accomplish a certain purpose through the power of the Holy Spirit that resides in us.
God works in and through all situations! Nothing that happens in our lives happens without God’s foreknowledge. Look at the story of Job! God did not cause Job to suffer, but He permitted Satan to use suffering to tempt him. You may wonder why God would allow such a thing to happen to someone He loved. I believe it was because God knew something Job did not know; He knew what the end result was going to be. So while Job was groaning and questioning, God was strengthening and teaching, and at the end of it all we are told that the Lord made Job prosperous again and gave him twice as much as he had before, blessing the latter part of his life more than the first. I bet Job never thought of that as he was battling leprosy, poverty, and loss! I bet that Job did not realize that millions of people would still be encouraged by his experience thousands of years after he was gone. But God knew!!!
What situation are you in today dear friend? Do you feel overwhelmed and confused about why God would allow such a thing to happen to you? I challenge you to trust that God works through and in all things concerning you even though you may not understand the ‘whys’ and the ‘when’s.’ So rather than fret, pray. Instead of worry, trust! Use your situations as opportunities to draw nearer to the Lord as Satan is constantly challenging God that he can tempt saints away from Him. And whenever you begin to feel discouraged, read about Joseph and Job; their stories are perfect examples of how the Lord works “in all things.”
Grace and peace be with you.
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IN ALL THINGS