All Things 

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

Romans 8:28 

This is one of the most glorious texts in Scripture. It is also one of the most difficult to believe in the face of everyday occurrences. When disaster strikes us personally, there always seems to be someone who wants to pull out this verse and glibly use it as a bandage for what feels like an amputation. We may well want to avoid people like this. They are similar to Job’s friends; present, but not useful. Life is full of difficulties, those difficulties are real, painful, heart-wrenching, and life-altering. Anyone who tells you otherwise is lying, period. We lose children, loved ones, suffer disease, financial reversals, fail, and age. How can we come to terms with all the things that occur, many of which we would not wish on anyone? Our text holds the answer. Christ is in control of all things. He does all things for the good of His people. The whole of the incarnation right through to the perpetual intercession He is now offering is for our good. We remain clueless for most of our lives about why certain things happen. The question is, do we have confidence in Christ? Do we really believe He is working all things together for our good? This is a large issue of faith. Our answer will shape our life.  

Our Glorious, Sovereign God, 
we rejoice that You are in control of all things. 
We praise You that You are orchestrating all 
these things for our good.  

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning