Trusting that God Works All Things Together for Good
We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are fitting into a plan for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose. — Romans 8:28 (Amplified)
This is one of the first verses I learned as a new Christian. It was my first step in learning to trust God, even in difficult circumstances. He is King of the universe. The universe is His domain.
“The earth is the Lord’s and all it contains, the world, and those who dwell in it.” — Psalm 24:1
This means that God can take every dark circumstance and make something beautiful out of it.
“For the Lord is good; His lovingkindness is everlasting and His faithfulness to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5
Does Romans 8:28 Apply to You?
Some may think Romans 8:28 doesn’t apply to them. But if you are a child of God, this verse is for you. God has a plan for every child of God, and it is a good plan.
In the next verse, Romans 8:29, it says He foreordained us to be molded into the image of His Son and to share inwardly in His likeness. How does God mold us into His Son’s image? The answer: through trials and tribulations. We cannot grow if we are always on the mountaintop. It is in the valley where growth and maturity happen. None of us like it, but:
“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.” — James 1:2–4
My Own Test: Learning to Trust God
A few years ago, I was in a very hard place. Frankly, I was miserable. I read this verse and told God, “I don’t feel joyful about this trial at all.” So I asked Him to show me what He was doing in me and to give me a word through someone.
The next day at church, a dear friend turned to me after worship and said, “The Lord is doing a work in you.” That was the last thing I wanted to hear — I wanted to hear I was coming out of the trial! I wasn’t happy with the answer, but I knew God had heard my cry. He had not forgotten me. After many ups and downs, I came out of the trial able to trust God like never before. It took a long time, but now I know God has His hand on me and will never remove it.
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” — James 1:12
God Has Not Forgotten You
Many times, we think that God has forgotten about us or has more important matters on His plate. That is a lie from the father of lies. How could a loving Father forget His own children? How could He forget about you?
A Beautiful Example: Unsung Hero
If you haven’t seen the movie Unsung Hero, I highly recommend it. It’s the true story of a successful family who, after losing everything, moved from Australia to Nashville to start over. It’s an emotional story showing the goodness of God in the hardest circumstances. This large family kept track of all answered prayers, big and small, and thanked God. He humbled them and dealt with pride — even to the point of cleaning toilets for a living.
In the end, all the trials and heartaches formed in them an unshakeable assurance that God was for them, not against them. Their oldest daughter, Rebecca St. James, became one of the most successful Christian recording artists of all time. Two of their sons, Joel and Luke Smallbone, became the successful group For King and Country. All things do work together for good. God had a plan — but first, He had to shape their character before bringing them into their promised land.
Keep Trusting: This is Only a Test
When things don’t go our way, we must trust that there is a reason for the season we are in. He is always working, and we must fix our eyes on Him. He hasn’t forgotten you. He hasn’t deserted you. He intercedes for you at the right hand of the Father. He loves you and desires to conform you into the image of His Son. Yield to Him and let Him change you for His glory.
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” — Romans 8:18
This is only a test!
Kathy Henrie
I am a worshipper of our Lord. There is nothing that brings me more joy! “How blessed are the people who worship you, Oh LORD, they experience your favor.” Psalms 89:15. I have a passion for women and to help them find a deep relationship with God. I am excited for the future and to walk out the plans God has for me. I graduated from Xplore Nations Bible School and the University of Tulsa.