And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (NIV)

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. – Romans 8:28 (KJV)

Theme: Trusting God’s Plan

I’ve always found this verse to be comforting in difficult or uncertain times. It was one of the verses my family challenged me to memorize back in 1983 (read about the original 52 Week Challenge here), and it’s been “hidden in my heart” ever since.

Part of what makes this verse so compelling to me is that it was written by someone who had plenty of personal experience with difficult times. Paul authored this letter to the Romans, and he was writing from a “been there and done that” perspective. And the challenges he endured were much, much worse than anything I’ve ever had to face (thankfully). Just a quick review:
• He was stoned and left for dead
• He was whipped five different times (39 lashes each time)
• He was shipwrecked
• He was thrown in prison twice
• He was hunted by people who wanted to kill him
• He was beaten with rods
• He was betrayed by those close to him
• He had an affliction (a “thorn” in his flesh) that God chose not heal for him

I can’t imagine how painful, both physically and mentally, those experiences must have been. But Paul recognized that God, in His infinite wisdom, used all of those events for good — to reach non-believers, to save the lost from their sin, and to demonstrate His power and glory. Romans 8:28 reminds us that God is always in control and His plans — whether we understand them or not — work together for good.

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