“No Matter What the Situation
- God Will Turn It For GOOD”

“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

Although this was one of the first verses I became most familiar with as a new Christian in the mid 1970’s, it was also one that for most of my Christian years I hated to hear quoted to me, especially when I was going through traumatic situations in my Christian life. I almost found it offensive as I was in such misery, and it was painful to hear, “....all things work together for good...”.

I am still asking and believing for God to continue to illuminate the truth of this passage (and biblical principle) to my heart (and HEAD); but, now, FINALLY there is comfort in this passage.

Let’s look at the meaning that is found in this passage -- briefly, as I feel the main purpose of this devotion is NOT a deep teaching, but to bring about liberation to those bound, wounded, hurting, and scared from a past or present situation in their lives.

In the Greek, the word for “know” is “oida” which basically means “a knowing something actually and absolutely, but not necessarily based on experience”. So in this passage, and in situations that we have in our lives, we may NOT know by EXPERIENCE or EMOTIONALLY that all things are working to our final good. But, based on the Word of God APART from my experience or emotions, I can know that “...all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose”. In the Greek, the word for “work together” is “sunergeo” which includes in its meaning “to contribute to an end or a goal”. The Greek word for “GOOD” is “agathos” which means “something useful and profitable, beneficial”.

As we combine some of the Greek meaning into this passage, we find that we can know absolutely as a fact based on the character of God and His Word, that He is making sure that no matter what we go through the end result (goal) of ALL things is that of good (i.e., it will turn out useful and profitable, not just to us, BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY FOR THE GOOD OF HIS KINGDOM!). There is NOTHING that the devil can do that God can’t counter it to become something useful or beneficial for His kingdom. THE DEVIL NEVER WINS!!!

Am I saying all things are GOOD? No, not at all! And I don’t believe God is saying that either. Rape is not good. Murder is not good. Abuse is not good. Divorce is not good. The list could go on and on, BUT God is so awesome that the worst situation in our life He miraculously can turn for our good, others’ good, and for the good of God’s Kingdom.

Don’t ever believe the lie that the devil has won. He’s a defeated foe. His victories are based on our quitting. If we don’t quit, he can’t win because, as we allow God to work in our lives, He will do so no matter how bad a situation.

You could tell me a situation that is so bad that I would have to admit that I don’t have a clue how God could turn that situation around and use it; but if you allow Him, HE WILL!

You who are Christian, who have or are going through terrible situations, allow your heart to be comforted. Some of you have had abortions, others were molested as a child or have been raped. Still others have been brutally abused, have had a family member tragically killed or murdered, have had serious health and family problems, and many have been divorced. Some of you are living in these things NOW and see no HOPE.

There are situations in which I still think, “so, God, how are You going turn this around for GOOD? It stinks no matter how I LOOK AT IT!” And God says, “I DON’T SEE AS YOU SEE (limited by space and time). TRUST ME AND I WILL TURN IT FOR GOOD.”

Please, my dear brothers and sisters in Christ, do not give up! I have been in “hopeless” situations MANY times over the years but somehow here I am by the grace of God.

God will move in your past (hurts, pains, etc.), present, and future. Just let HIM, as He wants to turn your situation around.

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In His Love,
Jim (BibleFood@aol.com)