And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

— Romans 8:28

This is one of the greatest texts in all Scripture: “All things work together for good to them who love God.” No other text covers as much territory; no other text offers any more than that; no other text conveys such hope and such comfort as that. Unfortunately, for many people, no other text seems more difficult to believe. In face of all of the problems that we know in this life, some would say it cannot possibly be true.

Paul never said that everything was good. Indeed, there are many things in this world which are anything but good—terrible diseases, drastic accidents, wars, hurricanes and earthquakes are certainly anything but good. They are ghastly and horrible things. And yet God has made it plain in this text that whatever event—however grim, however ghastly, however calamitous it may be in itself—as soon as it touches your life the hand of the Almighty will reach down and take it captive and hold it ransom. And God will not let it go until it yields up its treasure to your soul. That is the promise of the Almighty.

Question to ponder:
Are there some difficult circumstances in your life right now? Does it change your perspective to know God will bring good out of them?