"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28). How about that! What a great, exciting promise! This promise is not to be fulfilled in everyone’s life, only those (1) “that love God”, and (2) “who are called according to his purpose”. Those who do not love the Lord cannot expect the fulfillment of this promise in their lives. Neither can the ones who are not called according to his purpose. Those “who are called according to his purpose” are the ones who have answered the gospel call (II Thessalonians 2:14; II Timothy 1:9) and who live lives in keeping with the purposes of Heaven.
What is this promise all about? What does it mean “that all things work together for good” to those who love God and live within the context of His purposes? How can it be?
Some years ago, I read a story that seems to describe the meaning of this passage as well as any. As the story went, it seems the one survivor of a shipwreck was cast upon an uninhabited island. He was happy to be alive, but mortified by his prospects for the future. After awhile he managed to put together a crude shelter in which he placed the “little all” he had managed to save from the sinking ship. He prayed to God fervently for salvation from his seemingly hopeless plight. Daily he scanned the horizon, hoping to hail some passing ship. One day, upon returning from his regular hunt for food, he was horrified to find that his hut was engulfed in flames. Shortly all that he had was gone. To his limited vision, it was the very worst thing that could have happened, and he cursed God. Yet, the very next day a ship arrived. “We saw your smoke signal”, the captain said.
You see, sometimes the sorrows, the hurts, the tragedies, the reverses we experience have a unique ability to bring better opportunity, greater hope, and richer meaning to our lives. These are but smoke signals of a loving, anxious God.
It is not a question of CAN some good come out of my distressful, negative situation, but WILL I ALLOW some good to come out of it. Romans 8:28 deals with a promise it will, indeed, come to pas. We must admit, then, that if it does not work in my life (and yours) as Paul affirmed that it would, the problem is on my end. Earlier we noted that fulfillment of this promise is not unconditional. I can thwart the promises of God!
In the long ago, standing hopelessly at the brink of the Red Sea, Moses and his frightened, irresolute followers were urged, “Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord” (Exodus 14:13). As we stand facing some cruel blow dealt us by the unkind hands of chance, let’s turn to the Lord with a contrite and loving heart, looking forward to some good outcome. It may require some patience, but in time we can expect some “good” to come out of it. God’s providence is great!
--Charlie T. Garner |
(At the time Charlie wrote this he was undergoing treatment for cancer, and looking forward to a bone marrow transplant in the next few days. He perhaps understands this situation more than most of us. God be with you Charlie. - Leroy Sedgwick)