“28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NRSV)”
This has also been translated, “We know that God works for good in all things according to his purpose for those who love God.”
The order of words give a slightly different flavor to the verse but it is still one of those verses that is good to tuck away in our memory. This verse does not promise that we will not have experiences that hurt. Nor does it say we will understand what the eventual outcome will be good. It does say, though, that God is working on our side. He is working for us and not against us when we face disappointments and are sure evil has the upper hand.
I also note that the promise is within the context of a loving relationship. It is as we look at life through the glasses of love that we can frame our understanding of events and open our eyes beyond our own selfish desires to consider what the hand of God might be doing. Corrie Ten Boom, a survivor of the Nazi refugee camp, imprisoned for helping Jews, famously said, “God never closes a door without opening a window.”
I’m guessing most of us can name some issue we are wrestling with before God. None of us are living happy-ever-after. It might help to write the issue on a piece of paper and then list our desired outcome but then also try to think outside the box on how God might be using the situation for his glory. Pray about it and ask God to open your eyes to see his purposes. Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 