Hammer on Anvil '

One of the favorite verses of many Christians is Romans 8:28, because it says "all things work together for good" to those who love God. But I wonder how many of us really understand what this means.

Based on some conversations I have overheard, it appears many of us think this Scripture means everything in our lives will work out so we can be happy and comfortable, and not have to suffer much hardship. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus tells us in John 16:33 that we WILL have tribulation in this world. Yet He tells us to be of good cheer, because He has overcome the world. What does this mean for us?

It means exactly what James 1:2 exhorts us to do: "Consider it pure joy" when you face trials. The way this plays out in my life is that I try to view everything as an opportunity for obedience. Whether the circumstance is something as mundane as someone cutting me off in traffic, or as heart-wrenching as interceding for a loved one who is seriously ill, I try to remember God's promise that all of it works together for good -- in His economy. Matthew Henry's commentary explains Romans 8:28 this way:

That is good for the saints which does their souls good. Every providence tends to the spiritual good of those that love God; in breaking them off from sin, bringing them nearer to God, weaning them from the world, and fitting them for heaven. When the saints act out of character, corrections will be employed to bring them back again. 

It's not about our comfort and happiness, friends. It's about what ultimately fits into God's plan and brings His purposes to pass in this world. His kingdom come; His will be done.

God does not force himself on us, though. We can delight in the privilege of denying ourselves and crucifying our flesh, or we can be obstinate and rebellious and prefer to remain in our comfort zones, where nobody would ever guess we are followers of Jesus.

My personal experience is that it really does work to "consider it pure joy" when facing trials. I much prefer feeling that rush of knowing my Father is at work -- breaking, transforming, purifying. It beats whining and feeling sorry for myself and in general being unpleasant to be around.

God's purpose is that we be "transformed into His image with ever-increasing glory" (2 Corinthians 3:18). Allow that truth to encourage your heart if you are weighed down with adverse circumstances today.