Romans 8:28 (GW)
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.
Who does all things work well for? Those who love God, and, on whose behalf, God moves, those who live in obedience.
This doesn’t say all things good or bad, neither did it say what things are good or bad or that all things work together for all people. Rather this great promise is that God will overrule and work through every situation caused by sin to accomplish His purposes in the lives of those who love Him and have responded to His call.
All things work together; while they are working, God’s providence is working, his Spirit is working, and they are working together with him and by Him because He is the one doing the working not you, John 5:17.
As my Father worketh until now, God created the world in six days: on the seventh he rested from all creating acts and set it apart to be an everlasting memorial of his work. Though he rested from creating, he never ceased from preserving and governing that which he had formed: in this respect he can keep no sabbaths; for nothing can continue to exist, or answer the end proposed by the Divine wisdom and goodness, without the continual energy of God. So, I work—I am constantly employed in the same way, governing and supporting all things, comforting the wretched, and saving the lost.
And whatever troubles, or afflictions, or persecutions may arise, God presses them into His service; and they make a part of the general working and are used to contribute to the general good of the person who now loves God, and who is working by faith and love under the influence and operation of the Holy Ghost.
God works all things together for good—both His and our good. As God is glorified, His people benefit and those who love God can trust His goodness, His power, and His will to work out all things for our good.
The promise that God works all things together for good does not mean that all things, taken by themselves, are good. Some things and events are bad, but God can work them together for good. He sees the big picture; He has a master plan. Isaiah 46:10.
Neither does the promise that God works all things together for good mean we will acquire all that we want or desire. Romans 8:28 is about God’s goodness and our confidence that His plan will work out as He sees fit.
God’s plan is always good, Jeremiah 29:11, we can take confidence and be assured that, no matter our circumstances or environments, in the midst of evil, God is active and will conclude things according to His good and wise design. With this knowledge we can learn to be content, Philippians 4:11.
If we abide in God and continue to recognize His sacrificial love, poured out on us, then we are assured that our purpose is secure in God, especially in times of trouble, we should remember that God is good no matter the outcome. Whether it is a death, sickness, natural disaster, or even an internal battle, God is always good. Psalm 145:9.
In His providence, God orchestrates every event in life-even suffering, temptation, and sin-to accomplish both our temporal and eternal benefit, and the promise belongs only to the present time and to God’s children.
Shalom