God works for our good

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[a] have been called according to his purpose.”

As we all know, this is one of the most misquoted verses by many especially when we go through trials, temptations and sufferings. In the past I have wondered whether this verse promises a happily-ever-after life in this world following a suffering or trial. But if we understand the background and context of the verse, it is not the case. At least that is not what Paul meant when he wrote it under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. So what does then Romans 8:28 actually mean?

If we backup a little bit in the same chapter, we could understand that Paul is talking about leading a life through the Holy Spirit in midst of sufferings. Sufferings were not strangers to Paul whether it be his near-to-death experiences or imprisonments or beatings or persecutions and what made it different was the fact that they were all for the sake of the gospel. In midst of all what he experienced, he was certainly hopeful that those sufferings were not worth comparing with the future glory that is yet to be revealed (Romans 8:18). The future glory gave him a hope that the sufferings he faced were temporal.

Moving forward, he then talks about the liberation of all the creation from its bondage(v21) and the future hope that is not yet seen(v23-25). Then he encourages us with the truth that Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness by praying in accordance with the will of our God when we do not know what we ought to pray for (v26-27). But then can arise a question: Why does a child of God suffer? Paul gives an answer to that in v28 where he says that in all things God works for good of those who love him and who have been called according to his purpose.

It is very clear that this promise in v28 applies to only those who love him. He also confirms that those who love him are called according to his purpose. So what does “all things” mean here? It refers to every situation and circumstances we pass through whether it be good or bad. No matter if we are in life’s darkest moments or the golden moments, God is at work. Colossians 1:16-17 says – “For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” God is the supreme authority of all creation and he is Sovereign over everything in this Universe. He holds everything together.

Then what is our good? The popular interpretation is that our good refers to health and wealth in our life. I may agree that health and wealth can be a earthly benefit from God. But is that what Paul meant here when he wrote it? You don't have to be a child of God to enjoy the earthly pleasures. But remember that a believer’s ultimate good is his/her eternal glorification where we will be with God (Revelation 21:1-4). In preparation for that, God has began a good work in us (Philippians 1:6) so that we would be holy and blameless before him (Ephesians 1:4). God uses our circumstances to shape us into a better image that conforms to his Son. The phrase, “for the good” should be seen from an eternal perspective rather than from a temporal/earthly viewpoint.

I know we usually quote the life of Joseph where he tells his brothers in Genesis 50:20 that though they meant evil against him, God meant it for good so we conclude that here on earth we are assured with prosperity after a struggle or pain. Remember God may rescue us from certain painful situations but we are not guaranteed that thereafter life will be a bed of roses on earth. In Old Testament times, earthly prosperity was a sign of blessing. A question can arise then. Don’t we serve the same God? Can’t the same God deliver us even now and provide riches? Yes we serve the same God who delivered Joseph from the jail. We may be able to enjoy earthly pleasures but if we read the New Testament, it is clear that prosperity for us in the new covenant is promised in eternity and not on earth. If we think from an eternal perspective, it would make sense that good doesn’t refer to happily-ever-after on earth but to the future hope that has been promised to every person who has placed their trust in Christ Jesus.

This eternal good has been promised to those who love God and have been called according to his purpose. 2 Timothy 1:9 says – “who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began.” We are called by God to a holy calling which is to live for Christ and make his name known to others. If we love God, then it is our responsibility to continue in our faith, established and firm, and not to move from the hope held out in the gospel(Colossians 1:23). But we cannot do it alone as it is God who works in us to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose (Philippians 2:13). The eternal purpose of God cannot be thwarted by anyone. As Job 42:2 says – “I know that You can do all things, and that no purpose of Yours can be thwarted.” God is in complete control over everything and as the author and finisher of our faith, he will conclude what he has started.

So where do we go from here? I will use an analogy about a highway with a construction zone to describe our Christian life on this earth. If you are a person who speeds well on a highway, a construction zone is more than enough to lose your patience. But we know that maintenance of roads is necessary to preserve the strength and quality of roads. At the same time, we will have to bear the cost in wear and tear of our vehicle. In the same way, every trial and suffering is a time for maintenance in our life so that the genuineness of our faith result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed(1 Peter 1:7) .

James 1:2-4 says, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, 3 for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4 And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

I know it is easier said than done. But whenever hills or barriers appear in our life, remember that there is a God who will never leave us nor forsake us. He never sleeps nor slumbers but he is always at work. There is no condemnation for us who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1) and no trial, suffering or pain in this world will be able to separate us from the love of Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Our God is sanctifying us through every test we face so that it will produce steadfastness and we will eventually be glorified in eternity where there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, as the old order of things will be passed away. The eternal glory is the ultimate good which God is working through all things whether good or bad. So let us fix our hope in God alone and rely on the Holy Spirit who helps us endure to the end.