By Andrew Williams
Introduction
There is perhaps no verse in the Bible more comforting, and at times more challenging, than Romans 8:28. It says, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
When we’re in the middle of a painful trial, a relentless attack from the enemy, or a season of deep suffering, this verse can feel hard to believe. How can this be for my good? Today, we are going to dive deep into this foundational promise and see how the absolute sovereignty of God means that nothing, not even the most malicious attacks of the enemy, is wasted in the life of a believer.
God is the Active Agent
The first thing we must see in this verse is who is doing the work. It does not say that everything is good. It says “God causes everything to work together for the good.” God is the divine chemist, the master weaver. He is the active agent taking all the ingredients of your life—the joyful ones, the painful ones, the confusing ones, even the sinful and malicious things the enemy throws at you—and He is intentionally working them together into a final product that is good. This promise is not rooted in positive thinking or a “silver lining” mentality. It is rooted in the character and power of a God who is in complete control.
Defining “The Good”
This is the most crucial part of understanding this promise. What is the “good” that God is working toward? Our human definition of good is often health, comfort, financial stability, and happiness. But God’s definition is infinitely higher and more eternal.
The very next verse, Romans 8:29, defines it for us: “For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son.”
The ultimate good that God is working all things together to achieve in your life is your conformity to the image of Jesus Christ. He is using every circumstance, especially the hard ones, to make you more loving, more patient, more humble, more faithful—more like Jesus. The goal is not your temporary comfort, but your eternal character.
God’s Sovereignty Over Satan’s Schemes
This truth is a game-changer in spiritual warfare. The enemy attacks you with the intention to destroy your faith, to fill you with bitterness, and to pull you away from God. That is his one and only playbook.
But God is so sovereign that He hijacks the enemy’s plan. He takes the very weapon the enemy forged to destroy you and uses it as a divine chisel to shape you. The attack meant to produce fear, God uses to produce a deeper trust in Him. The temptation meant to produce shame, God uses to produce a greater understanding of His grace.
Think of Joseph who said to his brothers, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). This is the story of every believer. God does not cause the evil, but He masterfully and sovereignly repurposes it to accomplish His good and unstoppable plan in your life.
Practical Steps/Takeaways
How do we hold onto this truth when life is hard?
- 1. Look for the Character, Not Just the Comfort. In your trials, start asking, “God, what are you trying to build in me through this? Are you teaching me patience? Humility? Deeper trust?” Shifting your focus helps you partner with what God is doing.
- 2. Catalog God’s Faithfulness. Keep a journal. When you see God work something for good, write it down. When you’re in the next battle, you can look back and remind yourself of God’s track record in your life.
- 3. Preach the Promise to Yourself. Romans 8:28 is a promise you must actively choose to believe. Say it out loud. Memorize it. When your feelings tell you something is wasted, declare this truth over your situation.
Conclusion
Friend, no tear you cry is wasted. No prayer goes unheard. No attack from the enemy can thwart the ultimate purposes of God for your life. He is at work. Even in the pain, even in the confusion, He is causing all things to work together for your ultimate good, which is to make you look more and more like His Son, Jesus. And there is no greater good than that.
