ROMANS 8:28-29 – And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.
THEME OF THE DAY. YES, ALL THINGS. Today’s scripture is one of those “golden nuggets” of divine truth. It ranks high on the list of precious promises believers hold close to their hearts. It is the culminating truth of Romans eight which is all about the eternal security of believers and their assurance of salvation. The early church father, Ambrose, said, “If scripture were a feast, then Romans eight would be the main course.” And no doubt, the promise of today’s scripture would be a choice morsel in the main course!
As one ponders the promise that God works all things together for good for those who love Him and are called by Him, the substance of the promise thrills the hearts of God’s children. The scripture tells us God works all things together for good, not some things, not most things, but all things according to His promise. What does that truly mean to us? Well, here are two things . . .
First, God works all our failures for good. Failures a great spiritual teaching tool. They teach us the greatest virtue in our spiritual lives – humility. Remember the Lord Jesus telling Peter He would pray for him? Recall the account and then look at the truth of this promise – “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” Peter said to him, “Lord, I am ready to go with you both to prison and to death.” Jesus said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster will not crow this day, until you deny three times that you know me” (Luke 22:32-34). Jesus prayed that Peter’s faith would not fail, but He didn’t pray that Peter would not fail. And the prayer was answered. His faith did not fail him, but he did and that failure humbled him proving God does work all things for good.
Next, God will actually work our sins for good. That is not to say sin is good. We know it is not, but all things must include all things including our sins. How does God do that? He will use our sin to show us how bad sin is and how gracious and kind He is. The Apostle Paul would tell us what God’s kindness will do – Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? (Romans 2:4). Our hearts break when God uses our sin to show us not only His displeasure but how our sin grieves Him. We then come back to Him with confession and repentance. In this manner of working all things for good, God does use our sin to that end.
So, all things do work together for good because the all-powerful God is not only able to do so but delights in doing so and we rejoice in such love and wisdom!
PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your sovereign power that works all things for my good.”
QUOTE: “God works all things, yes, even our failures and sins for His glory and our good.”
In the affection of Christ Jesus,
Pastor Jim