What Does "all things work together for good" Mean?

Here is the verse that we will be discussing today. Romans 8:28 (ESV) — 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. Notice that this verse does not say "all things will BE good", he said "all things work together for good". Some people will say that Christians should never have a problem or face adversity because God loves us. If that is the case, then Paul must not have been a Christian because he was imprisoned and beaten so often. And why was he treated this way? Because he faithfully preached the word of God.

Here are three ways that "all things work together for good".

1. When we are blessed. That is the one that you would expect. When good things happen, people say "I was blessed by that." But "good things" don't always happen in our lives, do they? And that brings up the next two.

2. When we are punished. Hebrews 12:5–6 (ESV) — 5 And have you forgotten the exhortation that addresses you as sons? “My son, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, nor be weary when reproved by him. 6 For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” It is for our good when God gets our attention like this and He does so because He loves us and wants us to do what is right. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) — 11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. We don't like punishment but we need to be trained by it.

3. When we are troubled. James 1:2–4 (ESV) — 2 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. James didn't say "Be glad that you have problems", he said "Consider that a reason to remain in the joy of Christ because of how much stronger you will be when this is finished". 1 Peter 1:6–7 (ESV) — 6 In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, if necessary, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Just like the old saying goes... "it is not what happens to you that matters... how you respond to what happens to you is what matters".

So regardless what you are experiencing today, say this with me. "God is so good." He really is. If you are a Christian, He is your heavenly father who has all power and all knowledge. He can and He will take care of His children.