Romans 8:28 is one of the most popular verses in the Bible:

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

First, what does “all things” refer to in your life?

“All things” refers to everything that has happened in your life, your failures, your disappointments, your job, your successes, family events, your ministry…everything means “everything”.  The verse says that all of these things work together for good.

Second, what does “good” in this verse refer to? 

The answer can be found in verse 29:

“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

God is using the circumstances, pressures and trials of life to transform you into the image of Christ.  Consider the ways in which your circumstances have conformed you to the image of Christ. Perhaps…

– your pride has been hurt, and you have been humbled

– you have learned to trust less in yourself, and more in God

– you have learned to “let go” of temporal things

Μόνο ο Χριστός:  In Christ Alone

“Good” refers to God working Christlikeness in you.  Because we live in a sinful world where the devil seeks to have dominion over us (Romans 6:12), this work of Christlikeness won’t happen overnight.

In Luke 14:27 Jesus said “And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.”  When we die to ourselves and live unto Christ, we find the great joy as God grants* us (for the sake of Christ) us suffering for his sake (Philippians 1:29).

 

* “grant” (χαρίζομαι) in Philippians 1:29 means “graciously gives”

 

Posted in Christlikeness