He Works All Things Together
Audela Study Desk · 4 min read
Romans 8:28 says less than the slogan and more than we usually take from it.
Today's Scripture
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The Devotional
Paul writes this in a chapter that has just spoken of groaning, of creation under futility, and of praying without knowing what to ask. The verse is not an escape from that; it sits inside it.
Read what it says. We know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. God is the one working. The scope is all things. The people addressed are described twice, by their love for God and by his call.
It does not say all things are good. It says they are worked together for good, which assumes some of them are not good in themselves.
And Paul defines the good in the next verse rather than leaving it open: to be conformed to the image of his Son. The promise is about being remade to look like Christ, which is a larger thing than a comfortable outcome, and a slower one.
Look Closer
The verse does not call all things good. It says God works them together for good, and the following verse states what that good is: being conformed to the image of his Son.
Let Scripture Answer
What good does Paul have in mind in this verse?
Look in Scripture
- Romans 8:28-30
Read verse 29 immediately after verse 28 and notice the purpose Paul names. Then follow the chain of verbs in verse 30 to see how far he takes it.
Related Scripture
Genesis 50:20
Joseph distinguishes what his brothers meant from what God meant by the same events.
Romans 5:3-5
Paul traces a sequence from tribulation to hope, with the Spirit given as the ground.
James 1:2-4
Trials are connected to patience and completeness, not to immediate relief.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
Weakness is the place where Christ's strength is described as resting.
Remember This
God is the one at work in all things.
The good he aims at is likeness to his Son.
What he begins in his calling he carries through.
Today's Prayer
Father, I do not understand everything you have allowed. I believe you are working, and that your aim is to make me like your Son. Give me patience while you do it. Amen.
Carry It With You
Read Romans 8:28-29 together, then name one way God may be shaping Christ's likeness in you through what you are carrying now.