Dear Friends,
A statement in Romans 8:28 is one with which I’m sure we’re all familiar: “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.”
A further thought has recently come to light. We often tend to stop short of the last phrase or, at least, to minimize its import. As self-centered beings that we tend to be, we are inclined to think of ourselves as central in this special promise. How about: – “All things work together for good…according to HIS PURPOSE?” This really is the central point of this statement. It is not mainly about US – but about GOD. It is not only for OUR benefit, but for HIS glory. It is not primarily what is good for US, but what is HIS pleasure and purpose.
The wonder-full truth of this, of course, is that the ultimate working of His purpose – He Who inherently IS Compassionate Love and Wisdom – WILL be for the good of all concerned. That is a “given.” So we confidently proclaim that “ALL things – DO – work together for good – to those who love the Lord - and are called – according to HIS PURPOSE.”
Together all for good will work to those who trust in God,
Whose love for Him is tried and true, those by His Spirit called.
Our will to be conformed to His is His prerogative;
‘Tis only by His grace alone we work, and love, and live.
He gives to us that we may give; He loves that we may love;
His mighty pow’r to us imparts, to live the world above.
Above the world of sin and doubt, above temptation’s lure;
To walk in Light, and Truth, and Faith, His Plan for us secure.
(Eulene Hope Moores, 2003)
It has proven true in numberless lives. From the Scriptures we are reminded of some classical examples:-
JOB, who literally suffered the loss of all things – his herds, his servants, his home, his family, and his health. In the end, he acquired twice as much as he had in the beginning, and victoriously declared: “I have heard of You with my ear, but now my eye sees You…!” (Job 42:5)
JACOB, who was forced to leave home in shame and fear, returned as a “prince, having power with God and with men…” His ultimate declaration? “I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” (Gen. 32:28)
JOSEPH, who was sold by his own brothers into Egyptian slavery, after enduring years of drudgery, persecution, false accusations, loneliness and discouragement, was able to say, “So now it was not you who sent me here, but God, and He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt!” (Gen. 45:8)
DANIEL, who was taken captive from his home in Jerusalem to the strange and pagan country of Babylon, yet rose to the position of “chief governor over the whole of Babylon, and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon.” In addition, God gave to him incredible prophetic visions. (Dan. 2:46-49)
There are countless testimonies of modern day believers who have similar stories to tell of God working through the trials and testings of life to produce something far greater and more wondrous than could ever have been imagined. We think again of the fire required to purify the gold, or the silver. As Peter wrote, “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to test you, as though some strange thing happened to you, but rejoice, inasmuch as you are participants in Christ’s sufferings, that, when His glory shall be revealed, YOU MAY REJOICE with EXCEEDING JOY.” (1 Pet. 4:12)
All things work out for good, we know -
Such is God’s great design;
He orders all our steps below
For purposes divine.
This is the faith that keeps me still,
No matter what the test,
And lets me glory in His will -
For well I know ‘tis best.
So now the future holds no fear,
God guards the work begun;
And mortals are immortal here
Until their work is done.
Some day the path He chose for me
Will all be understood;
In heaven’s clearer light I’ll see
All things worked out for good.
© Copyright 1961 by John W. Peterson Music Company.
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
“Now the God of all HOPE fill you with all JOY and PEACE in the believing, that you may abound in HOPE through the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)
In Agape, Eulene
