Romans 8 is a powerful chapter of Scripture. It is filled with God’s promises that nothing can separate him from his love. We also have the promise made in 8:28:
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (ESV)
This verse is easily misinterpreted that all things in life are good. It easily leads us astray to think that trials in life are blessings in disguise. But look at that verse more carefully. It does not say all things are good. What it does say is that God can use all things for good. God can take a difficult situation to bring out things like hope, courage, and faith.
We see this in times of disaster. There is an earthquake, a tornado, or a hurricane. In the days and weeks to follow you will watch people come together. You will see incredible acts of generosity. And people come back to God. It is not to say the natural disaster was good. But what we notice is if we look close enough, there is good that comes from it.
The most powerful example of this is the cross. Notice that we call the Friday Jesus died on the cross “Good.” But what was so good about Friday? It was not good that Jesus died on the cross. What was good, was that he died for our sins. What was good was that Friday made Sunday possible. Jesus would rise from the dead. But he could not rise from the dead if he had not first died. What was good about Friday was that through Jesus’ death would come victory over death.
Not everything happens for a reason. There is much in this world we cannot explain. There is much in this world that is not of God. But there is nothing beyond God’s power to turn around.
There are many different reasons for the trials in life. They are sometimes caused by our sin and poor decisions. Other times they are caused by the sin and poor decisions of others. Trials are not part of some master plan being orchestrated by God.
But we have a God who takes something that is broken. He may not totally fix it in this lifetime, but he will make something beautiful out of it. The pain, the hurt, and the loss may still there. This is where faith and trust come into the picture. There is no situation in life that is so far gone that is beyond the point of redemption.
You may have hurt and pain from your past. But that puts you in a great place to minister to others who are filled with hurt and pain. We are told in 2 Corinthians 1:4 that God comforts us in our sorrows so that we can bring comfort others who face sorrow. It doesn’t take the pain away. It doesn’t explain the hurt. But what we have here is an example of how God takes something that is ugly and makes something beautiful.
Grant to those who mourn in Zion—
to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness instead of mourning,
the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit;
that they may be called oaks of righteousness,
the planting of the LORD,
that he may be glorified. Isaiah 61:3 (ESV)
Questions for Reflection
- Do you believe everything happens for a reason? Why or why not?
- What are some examples where you have seen good come from bad?
- How does Romans 8:28 bring you comfort?
- Share your comments.
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