All Things- Part 2

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 (KJV)

This verse starts with the word and, meaning there is a connection to what was written before. So, we need to back up and read verse 26 and 27 to fully understand what verse 28 is talking about.

26 Likewise the Spirit also helpeth our infirmities: for we know not what we should pray for as we ought: but the Spirit itself maketh intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 And he that searcheth the hearts knoweth what is the mind of the Spirit, because he maketh intercession for the saints according to the will of God. Romans 8:26-27 (KJV)

These verses say that the Holy Spirit helps our infirmities, or inabilities, to get results in prayer. As we pray in the Spirit, Holy Spirit prays God’s will to come to pass for us. Then, we will see God work all things out for our good according to verse 28.

Let’s combine this with what we discussed yesterday about the importance of giving thanks. As we give thanks AND pray in the Spirit, God works all things out for our good. We can thank God and pray that God is working His perfect will and plan out for our lives. And if we go beyond verse 28 and read verse 29, we understand things even better.

For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Romans 8:29 (KJV)

This tells us that the ultimate good in any situation is that we become Christ-like. As we mature into Christ-like character, God can bring to pass all that He’s planned on our behalf. As a result of growing in God, we experience all that God has planned for us now and in all eternity. Everything we face in life is not good, but God is good and works things out for our good- as we give thanks in the name of Jesus, praying always in the Spirit.