One of the most misused verses of Scripture is Romans 8:28. “We know that all things work together for good to them that love God.” Terrible things happen and people often use this verse in the context of the horror being God’s will. Unwittingly they imply that God orchestrated the event to bring about some good. Nothing could be more damaging to God’s reputation and our faith. A billion things a day, each day, happen on earth that are NOT God’s will. We live in a dangerous place. Jesus told us to call God “Our Father.” Can you imagine me saying to one of my sons, “I going to lead you to back the car over your child today so I can bring about something good for you?” If I did that I should be taken out and shot. Yet we do this to God all the time.
What Paul is trying to tell us is when bad things happen, and they will happen on this sin filled world, God will be there for us. He did not want the bad thing to happen but He will hurt with us, cry with us and suffer with us. He will try to draw us near and fill us with the knowledge that it is not always going to be like this. There are better days ahead.
Christianity is neither an insurance policy against bad things happening nor is it an “every bad thing is a cloud with a silver lining.” What Christianity is is knowing we are not alone. Someone at the center of the universe cares and will help us pick up the shattered pieces of our loss and give us the strength to build a new future.
Written by Roger Bothwell on June 23, 2008.
Spring of Life Ministry, PO Box 124, St. Helena, CA 94574