“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
One of the main key words in today’s verse is “together.” In other words, you shouldn’t just isolate one part of your life and say, “Well, this is not good.” “It’s not good that I got laid off.” “It’s not good that my child got sick.” “It’s not good that my relationship didn’t work out.”
Yes, that’s true, but that’s just one part of your life. That doesn’t mean your whole life isn’t “good.” God can see the big picture. That disappointment is not the end. Your life doesn’t stop because of one setback. That is simply one piece of your puzzle. There is another piece coming to connect it all because God promises to work all things together for your good!
Biblical Context of Romans 8:28
Romans 8 is one of the most powerful chapters in the New Testament, where the Apostle Paul addresses life in the Spirit, the struggle of suffering, and the ultimate hope of God’s redemptive plan. Verse 28 is situated within a discussion about suffering, groaning, and waiting for full redemption (Romans 8:18–27). Paul reassures believers that despite the trials they face, God is actively involved in orchestrating every part of their lives to fulfill His greater purpose.
This verse is not a denial of pain or hardship, but a bold affirmation that God is sovereign even in the midst of brokenness. He does not cause evil, but He does redeem and weave all circumstances—good and bad—into His perfect plan.
Exegesis of Romans 8:28
- “And we know…”
Paul speaks with confidence, not speculation. This “knowing” is not merely intellectual, but a deep-rooted faith based on God’s character and promises. - “God causes everything…”
The Greek word synergei (from which we get “synergy”) means that God is actively working all things together. It doesn’t mean that everything is good by itself, but that God is present in every detail, blending events into a greater purpose. - “…to work together for good…”
The word “together” is key, as the devotional rightly emphasizes. Isolated events may not seem good, but when seen in the context of God’s eternal plan, they take on redemptive meaning. Just as ingredients in a recipe may taste bitter alone, they produce something good when combined. - “For those who love God and are called according to His purpose.”
This promise is not universal—it applies to believers who walk in love and surrender to God’s will. The “good” being worked out is not always personal comfort, but spiritual maturity, kingdom impact, and eternal glory (Romans 8:29–30).
Faith Application
This verse challenges us to adopt God’s perspective. When setbacks come—a job loss, a health crisis, a broken relationship—we must resist the urge to judge our lives based on that moment alone. Instead, we must remember that God is writing a bigger story.
As Rev. Sereine’s reflection notes: one part may look bad, but God is the Master Artist. Just like a single puzzle piece seems meaningless until connected, so do isolated events in our lives make sense only in the light of God’s larger plan.
This truth calls us to walk in trust and hope, even when we don’t see immediate answers. Like Joseph in Genesis 50:20, we will one day be able to say:
“You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good…”
PRAYER: ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD
(Based on Romans 8:28 and the May 4 Devotional)
Heavenly Father,
ADORATION – Praising Who You Are
Almighty God, I come before You, honoring You as the One who sees the end from the beginning. You are the Master Weaver of my life. You are Jehovah-Jireh, my Provider; El Roi, the God who sees me when no one else does. You are the Potter, and I am the clay. Your hands shape me with love and purpose.
Isaiah 64:8 – “But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
You bring beauty out of ashes and turn mourning into joy. I praise You because even in chaos, You are sovereign and at work.
Isaiah 61:3 – “To console those who mourn in Zion, to give them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.”
You transform dry places into springs of living water.
Psalm 84:6 – “As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a spring; the rain also covers it with pools.”
Your plans are good and full of hope.
Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
CONFESSION – Acknowledging My Shortcomings
Lord, I confess that I have sometimes lost sight of Your bigger picture. I have dwelled on painful moments and allowed temporary circumstances to cloud eternal truths. Forgive me for doubting Your promises, for comparing my journey with others, and for questioning Your timing.
Psalm 51:10 – “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.”
THANKSGIVING – Thanking God for His Work
Thank You, Lord, for every hidden blessing, for every time You protected me from things I didn’t understand. Thank You for every closed door that led me to better paths, and every trial that built my character. Thank You that nothing in my life is wasted in Your hands.
2 Corinthians 1:4 – “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others.”
Thank You for Your Word that gives me hope.
Deuteronomy 8:2-3 – “Remember how the Lord your God led you all the way in the wilderness these forty years, to humble and test you… to teach you that man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.”
SUPPLICATION – Presenting My Needs to God
Father, I lay before You the real burdens of my life and community:
- For financial restoration, provide for my family, my school, and the ministries You’ve entrusted to me.
Philippians 4:19 – “And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”
- For healing, I pray for those suffering in body or mind. Bring peace to their hearts and strength to their bones.
Isaiah 53:5 – “But He was wounded for our transgressions… and by His stripes we are healed.”
- For open doors, grant clarity and opportunity to those seeking employment, calling, or new beginnings.
Revelation 3:8 – “See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut.”
- For family reconciliation, heal broken relationships and restore love where bitterness has grown.
Malachi 4:6 – “And He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.”
- For vision and strength, help me persevere in the mission You have given me.
Galatians 6:9 – “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.”
Teach me to walk in step with Your Spirit daily.
Galatians 5:25 – “If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
DECLARATION – Standing on God’s Promises
I declare that my life is not defined by a moment of pain or loss. I am called, chosen, and deeply loved. My disappointments are not the end. God is still working, still moving, still connecting the pieces.
Romans 8:28 – “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.”
Philippians 1:6 – “Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it.”
Genesis 50:20 – “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good.”
Isaiah 54:17 – “No weapon formed against you shall prosper.”
Isaiah 40:31 – “But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles.”
2 Corinthians 5:7 – “For we walk by faith, not by sight.”
Lord, I trust You with the full picture of my life. What I cannot yet understand, I choose to surrender. I rejoice in what’s coming because You are good—and You are not done with me yet.
In the name of Jesus Christ,
Amen.
Rev. Sereine
