A Common
Misconception
By Susan Klein
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...”
Romans 8:28a
By Susan Klein
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him...”
Romans 8:28a
One
of the most common misconceptions about the verse above is that some believe it
to mean, “God makes all things good in the lives of those who love him.” Not
quite! Though He is good in nature, and works for good in our lives as well as
for His perfect will, He most definitely allows bad things to happen.
Sometimes, in His “working for the good,” He allows us to endure hardships.
For example, a woman suffers from years of anxiety and depression. Her family is neglected, her health is poor, and she suffers from a loss of hope. One may question, “Where is the good in this?” Many years later, she recovers, and God uses her to minister to other women who are suffering in the same way. Her family learns compassion and long-suffering.
Another woman’s husband loses his job. After several months of unemployment, they cannot afford to pay the bills or make their monthly mortgage. All seems hopeless. Then, God gives other people the opportunity to reach out to this couple and share what they have with them. The givers and recipients alike see the loving hand of God’s provision and goodness.
Then there is the woman who loses a child in an accident and is grief-stricken. How can God possibly work something good from this? Her heart will always ache with the wonder of what would have been, but now cannot be. Perhaps she will not even see the good work that God does through this. He may have used the tragedy to touch a different person’s heart. It could be that her faith has led another to Christ without her ever knowing this side of heaven. His goodness in this may only be visible to Him, but it is there. He promises it!
God does not promise everything will be good. But He does promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us in our time of need. He does promise that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. And, He does promise us an eternal glory that far outweighs all of our troubles.
“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). Now that’s a promise we can cling to!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you questioning God’s goodness in a difficult situation you may be going through? Are you willing to put your trust in the promise that He is “working for the good,” even if you cannot see it?
For example, a woman suffers from years of anxiety and depression. Her family is neglected, her health is poor, and she suffers from a loss of hope. One may question, “Where is the good in this?” Many years later, she recovers, and God uses her to minister to other women who are suffering in the same way. Her family learns compassion and long-suffering.
Another woman’s husband loses his job. After several months of unemployment, they cannot afford to pay the bills or make their monthly mortgage. All seems hopeless. Then, God gives other people the opportunity to reach out to this couple and share what they have with them. The givers and recipients alike see the loving hand of God’s provision and goodness.
Then there is the woman who loses a child in an accident and is grief-stricken. How can God possibly work something good from this? Her heart will always ache with the wonder of what would have been, but now cannot be. Perhaps she will not even see the good work that God does through this. He may have used the tragedy to touch a different person’s heart. It could be that her faith has led another to Christ without her ever knowing this side of heaven. His goodness in this may only be visible to Him, but it is there. He promises it!
God does not promise everything will be good. But He does promise that He will never leave us nor forsake us in our time of need. He does promise that His grace is sufficient for us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. And, He does promise us an eternal glory that far outweighs all of our troubles.
“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made” (Psalm 145:9). Now that’s a promise we can cling to!
GOING DEEPER:
1. Are you questioning God’s goodness in a difficult situation you may be going through? Are you willing to put your trust in the promise that He is “working for the good,” even if you cannot see it?
FURTHER
READING:
Susan is a We Women Bible Study Coordinator and one of its teachers. She and her husband, Mark, enjoy tutoring and working with inner-city youth.
