Do All Things Really Work for Good?

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good… -Romans 8:28

This verse is often used to encourage those who are going through a tough time – reminding them that it will eventually work out for something good in their life. For example - don’t worry about getting fired - God has something better in store for you. All things work out for good, remember?

While it is a very comforting and hopeful verse, particularly while navigating though the tough circumstances of life, there are two cautions to deal with to keep this passage in its proper context:

1. The passage deals with those who love Christ.

It may appear to be semantics. Who doesn’t love Christ, right? But it’s a very important distinction. The verse is specifically for believers – those who believe Jesus Christ is who He says He is.

2. The “good” that is described is our ultimate conformity to Christ not our comfort.

The “good” that is referred to here doesn’t necessarily mean our circumstances will go from bad to good. Things might get better after the loss of our job, they might not. Rather the “good” is that which leads to our sanctification – growing us closer to Christ. The word literally means “useful.” It’s all about the ultimate good, that which is best for us, not necessarily that which makes us feel better.

There are times it is really difficult to see the good in life’s challenges. But remember, for those who love Christ, He is always working good in our lives. We may not see it. We may wonder. But we can be assured that all things really do work for good!

Ryan Smallwood