"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
I often hear this verse being so misused. People will recite just the first part of thise verse to unbelievers during difficult times, trying to reassure them that everything will be okay. But this is not the truth. This verse was not given to people apart from Christ. In fact, this verse is only the beginning of expressing a greater meaning of being a participant in God's kingdom. Let's read the verse afterwards...
"For him He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many bretheren."
Romans 8:29
In the first verse, Paul is not speaking about a believer's life in general. He isn't saying "Don't worry, your life will be fine. Everything will come together in the end to give you a nice and happy life." In fact, Paul is saying that all events in our life work together to fulfill God's purpose for us. When we read on to Romans 8:29, we find that this purpose is to be conformed into the image of Christ.
Jesus knew God's will for His life. He understood the sacrifice that would be required and God's Spirit showed Him what that would mean for the rest of us in eternity. Along these same lines Romans 12:2 tells us that we must not be conformed to the world, but transformed that we may understand God's purpose into making us like Christ. Not just so we can tell good from bad or right from wrong. This renewing of our minds will enable us to continue in God's will and give us strength to stand against the world and pursue our eternal purpose - being like Christ.
"For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace."
Romans 8:6
In all of these, Paul is teaching us that resting in what the Lord desires and has intended for us we find fulfillment, order and a life of peace. We are to be mindful of God's work in our lives knowing that understanding His will for us will pull us through times of difficulty and testing. Again, in Romans 12:2 we are told that our transformation will lead us into proving and testing what is God's will. Not observing or thinking about, but being put through circumstances where we can know what God desires of us. James 1 is a great chapter to read and be encouraged through these times of testing.
What I see in all these verses is that our life doesn't work together for our "goals" to be accomplished or for our personal lives to feel fulfilled. Our lives and circumstances work together for us to become more like Jesus - to overcome temptation and be transformed into the eternal beings God has intended for us. And when we view our trials and stuggles in light of God's plan we aren't discouraged from serving out of duty, but we can be filled with joy by knowing His great plan is accomplished through us.
"Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."
James 1:12
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