Romans 8:28 should provide considerable comfort to Christians who are experiencing any sort of turmoil or trouble.
“28And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
The promise that goes out to those who love God, those who have been called according to his purpose, is that in the midst of whatever the Christian is facing, God is working in the very midst of it for a good outcome for that person. In times of persecution, God is working for good. In times of severe health crisis, God is working for good. In times of financial hardship. God is working for good. Even in the death of a loved one, God is working for good. When we pause long enough to take our eyes off of the painful circumstances and look towards God, we are comforted to see that God loves us and will somehow take our tragedy and bring forth good to us.
This same verse, however, should also challenge the Christian. The first three words of the verse “and we know” speak to certainty. We are not called to hope that God will work for our good. We are called to know with certainty that God truly is working for our good, no matter what we are experiencing. We are not to be tossed around by the waves and whims of our emotions, wondering if we are going to be okay. Instead, we are to stand firm, like a lighthouse standing resolutely in the waters even as the storm rages about.
Our ability to stand firm in the promise of Romans 8:28 truly does allow us to serve as a lighthouse in the midst of troubled times, whether those are times only troubling us or they are troubling many around us. The comfort that we receive from God, often taking the form of his peace which passes all understanding, is as visible as a bright beacon of hope to others who are lost in the darkness. Because we can stand firm in the midst of storms, on Christ the solid rock, those who are being tossed about by the waves will want to know what allows us to react differently. And that becomes our window to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
So be comforted by the promise within Romans 8:28. But also rise to the challenge of truly knowing that God is faithful and that He will indeed work for the good of those who love Him no matter what troubles you may be facing. Doing so will help increase your impact for God’s kingdom.
Peace and blessings – Pastor Aaron