God is good, all the time, God is good

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. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. Romans 8:28-29

Paul from the text can affirm on behalf of all believers, “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). It is clear that his claim about “all things” here must encompass all; the good, the bad, and the ugly. God works them all for His glory. This is not just a literary devise; he is referring to the whole of creation, and also to the personalities and life experiences we all encounter along the way. Because of God’s greatness, all things work together for good. This good is part of that glory that God has in store for those who love Him. Note that it is not those whom God loves who are the beneficiaries of this good. God loves all His creatures. But those who do not return His love are not in a position to accept His goodness. Paul goes on to describe those who love God as those “who have been called according to his purpose.” The Christian should keep in mind that the God who redeems us in Christ Jesus is the Lord of the universe, who truly has “the whole world in His hands.” God is here the Creator-Lord of the universe, whose knowledge, power, and will control the flow of history to work out His purpose. That purpose had determined the character of creation, which has been thwarted by sin, and that purpose will restore that intended character to creation as sinners who were forgiven are “conformed to the likeness of his Son” (Romans 8:29). This restoration begins in the present, but will be fulfilled only in the final consummation. However He does it, God is in charge and will remain in charge of all of His creation. Consider Paul making these emphatic statements who also said the following about his experiences serving the Lord; “...been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked” (2 Corinthians 11:23-27). In the midst of his difficulties, he still said God worked everything for his good. God is too loving to be unkind. Remember, believing that God is sovereign and in control will help us keep our sanity and think clearly.

Blessings,