Romans 8:28, NIV

by Tamara Howell
(Avon, Ohio, USA)

Bible Quote: "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

Author: St. Paul

I first memorized this Scripture in 1983, as part of a church Bible quizzing team. Then, I had no idea to what extent this quote would affect me throughout my life.

When good things happen, it is easy to see God working. However, when things don't go as we think they should, we become frustrated, angry and hurt. It is difficult sometimes to see God in the midst of all this.

The Bible says God knows what is happening to us (Matthew), that He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die (John 3:16), that we are to trust in Him (I John 1), and that He will never leave or forsake us.

As Christians, we struggle at times to reconcile our intellect with our emotions. Too often, I rely heavily on my intellect to manage emotional issues. When things happen that I don't understand, repeating this Bible verse, and trying to rely on its meaning, helps me to take a step back and try to put things back in God's hands.

Sometimes, not always, it is possible to reflect after the incident or problem has happened and see that God did, indeed have something better in mind than I was able to see for myself. Learning this through reflection makes it a little easier to trust the next time it happens.