All Things

When we quote Romans 8:28, most of us are on auto pilot before we get to the last words.  This is simply another way of saying we do not always give the verse the kind of thought it merits.  Hurrying through lifts up the possibility of missing some of the stuff upfront.  One of those things which might be missed are the words, "all things."  Romans 8:28 reads, "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose."  

"All things" is a very inclusive word.  It surely includes some things to which we never really gave consideration.   The Apostle Paul lists some of the "all things" in his life in II Corinthians 11.  These were not things he could have anticipated from the Damascus Road, yet, they were poured out into his life, nonetheless.  Most likely it will be that way for us if we are blessed with enough years.  Things will come we could not have imagined in the good days when everything was filled with sunshine and roses.  Some folks around us are living in some hard moments in their life and the truth is that we may not see.   

The Word is true.  God can work for good in all things regardless of how horrible they may be.  We have seen it happen again and again.  But, it is not a good that comes cheaply for the ones who are suffering.  And it is not necesarily a good that will be seen except in hindsight.  But, God is faitihful to keep His promise.  The cross on Good Friday is the final proof of the way He works to bring good out of what seems to be full of nothing but deep darkness, pain, and suffering.  The final word is that He will be there for us to bring us through the darkness of all things into the Light of His presence.  Always!