Ewald Schmidt
“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)
This might be one of the most misquoted verses of Scripture. Paul did not promise that believers would only experience good times, he did not promise us that everything we dreamed about, would come true. This verse does not offer cheap assurances in hurtful times. It does not wish to teach that God will send bad things just to form us as he wants us.
This whole chapter teaches us about the new life in Christ, when we are led by the Holy Spirit on our journey. Life is such a precious gift from God, but we live this life in a broken world, in a time of degeneration. God’s children are not spared from all the suffering going on in the rest of the world. Suffering can come from different sources. But whatever caused the suffering in my special circumstances, God is with me all the way. He still guides me through his Spirit, through the darkest times and through all the trials and tribulations I may face. Yes, we will make mistakes along the way, but we have already been forgiven (Romans 8:1). We may suffer difficult times, but we pray through the Spirit (yesterday’s verse). The journey of life continues, and we endure until the day when God reveals his children to the world (verse 19).
Our verse today wants to reassure us that nothing will ever be able to rip us from God’s care on our journey of faith. That does not negate the fact that we will face challenges, and sometimes endure pain and suffering. But in all circumstances God is with us. The Spirit will lead us, and guide us on the right path. We may reach our destination, quite worn out and battered, but we will reach it! All the experiences of our lives will tell the story of God’s mercy. He can bring good out of our darkest hours. The place of our pain may become the opportunity for our greatest ministry to others. Our story of endurance in difficult times may inspire others to seek the God we serve. We cannot always choose the things happening to us in life, but we can choose to trust God, to heal us and let good come from our hurt. Let us then trust him to heal us, and empower us to endure when the going gets tough. The Spirit of God knows the path home, let him guide us there through the darkness.
Prayer: Lord, I do not always understand the roads where my life’s journey takes me. But I trust you to lead me, and guide me every step of the way. Teach me to trust you when I am afraid, help me heal when I get hurt. But let every day of my life be a testimony to your goodness and mercy. Amen.