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. A “GO TO” PROMISE.  Today’s scripture contains one of those “go-to” promises believers grab when we arrive at the end of our rope in life’s difficulties. It is also a haven of rest when long trials feel so intense we feel they will drown us in a sea of discouragement.  During those times, we read, even plead with ourselves,  “All things work together for good to those who love God and are called to according to His good purpose.”

But before we run and hide in this glorious promise, we must establish two things; first, the conditions to rest in this promise, and properly identify all things that work together for our good. The conditions qualifying us for the comfort in Romans 8:28 are that we love God and have received the effectual call of God.

When it comes to loving God, we readily acknowledge we cannot achieve this perfectly in this life, but we can pursue it sincerely in this life. And to be sincere in loving God is to be intentional in our obedience.  Remember obedience to His written commands doesn’t just happen.  We love Him on purpose. Our Lord told us “If you love me, you will keep My commandments” (John 15:14). And that means we must act on His commands and not by feelings, situations, and circumstances. It is an exercise of our renewed will.

The second condition to meet the requirements to claim personal ownership of Romans 8:28 is being called of God. This means we acknowledge God alone saves and He alone chooses us to come to Him. We did not just wake up and decide, “I think I will be a Christian.”  No, we were chosen by God the Father in Christ to be saved by Christ and for Christ  –  Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places,  even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will (Ephesians 1:3-5) and Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ (Jude 1).  Now comes the question, “Wait a minute. I chose Christ of my own free will.”  Yes, we did but only because God chose us first and gave us the power and desire to choose Him, and oh what  glorious truths both are!

Now what are the “all things” that work together for our good?  Get ready. It is so wonderful!  All means all. Yes, even our sins, even our failures, even our backslidings.  God in His wisdom, purposes, and power works everything in our lives for good.  It may not always feel good, but it will turn out for good.  Rejoice in such a God that would do such a work.

So, Romans 8:28 is a “go-to” promise.  Let’s ensure we meet the conditions so we can confidently go to it in trying times!

PRAYER: “Father, I praise You for Your sovereignty and working all things for my good.”

QUOTE: “All things that work for good include all things, yes, even our sins and failures.”