Whether you hear it or you see it posted on social media, one of the most quoted scriptures is Romans 8:28, “And we know that all things work together for good…” But that is not where the verse ends. Without including the words “to them that love God” and “to them who are the called according to His purpose”, false expectations take root in the hearts of believers, while unnecessary doubt is planted in the minds of unbelievers.
Romans 8 begins with the famous declaration “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” We see that the “called” in verse 28 are those who are in Christ Jesus and those who walk according to the Spirit. Paul solidifies this in verse 14, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” Today we would say “children of God.”
If you ask someone to list the “good things” God has given them, they will almost always list their material possessions, their relationships and friendships, and the job that pays their bills. While the list will vary from person to person, each one would include the things that they pray for. But if we keep Romans 8:28 in its intended context, we notice that the “things” Paul speaks of are not material or physical—and they do not stand alone. In fact, according to the text, these “things” are working: “all things work together for good.”
Paul is not describing blessings that come from answered prayers or even the things we hope for. He is speaking of things we probably never pray for at all—yet, if we see them through to their end, will produce the results that we did pray for. If we look at our lives as part of a collective of individuals, instead of viewing only our individual life, we begin to see that it often takes a divine cooperation of circumstances for God’s plan to unfold in our lives, and to receive the “good things” we desire. After all, every believer is a part of the larger body of Christ—the true Church—and this is how “all things work together.” Paul is saying that the trials, tribulations, and even afflictions we face are the very instruments God uses to produce good things in our lives. He is explaining to the Roman believers, and to us, that there are spiritual processes God works through to shape His children into the image of Christ.
God does want us to speak and pray with thanksgiving, but He also wants us to show our love by
seeking Him. First Chronicles 22:19 says: “Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your
God.” Jesus set this example throughout His earthly ministry by how often and the circumstances that led Him to prayer. After a long day of healing, He withdrew to pray (Mark 1:35). He used prayer in parables (Luke 8:9-14). He taught the disciples how to pray (Luke 11:2-4 & Matthew 6:9-13), where to pray (Matthew 6:6), and even how not to pray (Matthew 6:7-8). Jesus showed that a heart that seeks the Father is one that stays in communion with Him through prayer.
God always knows when prayer and actions are born out of genuine love for Him and from a contrite heart. When our hearts are aligned in truth, that is when “all things work together for good” and begin producing good fruit in our lives—fruit that others can see, drawing them to seek God for themselves. This is God’s glory.
Amen.