Dear friends,
In our journey through life, we will encounter various seasons – some filled with joy and others marked by hardship and difficulty. In these challenging times, we may begin to wonder about the purpose behind our struggles and whether or not any good can come from them. This brings to mind a powerful promise found in the Scriptures, "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) This verse offers a sound assurance that to those who place themselves under the sovereignty of God, every hardship we face is not without a purpose.
God’s commitment to turning our trials into our good is not an occasional coincidence but a fundamental, ever-present promise. However, it’s important to understand that the "good" referred to in Romans 8:28 isn’t necessarily what we might expect. Often, our good is not about altering our circumstances but transforming us, reshaping our character, deepening our faith, and making us more like Christ.
Consider Joseph’s story in Genesis, who went from being sold into slavery by his brothers to becoming the second most powerful man in Egypt. Throughout his trials, Joseph remained faithful to God, even though he faced hardship after hardship. In the end, he was able to see God’s hand at work even in his darkest moments, declaring to his brothers, "But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive." (Genesis 50:20) Joseph’s hardships were not random; they were allowed to happen as part of a larger plan by God for the good of many.
In practice, embracing this perspective means looking beyond our current difficulties and trusting in God’s bigger picture. It means praying for the strength to persevere and for the wisdom to see how God is working in our lives, even when the path is obscured. It’s about holding on to hope, knowing that our struggles have the potential to produce endurance, character, and ultimately, hope. Because if a difficulty were not able to benefit us in some way, ultimately, God would not allow it.
Living with this mindset can profoundly change how we view our daily lives. When faced with challenges, instead of giving in to despair, we can choose to seek God’s purpose in our situation. We should support one another by sharing our stories of how God has worked through our trials, helping us foster a community of faith that is resilient and hopeful in all things.
Our trials are not pointless, and our struggles are not without purpose. In the hands of our loving Father, they are tools for growth and development. So let’s face our difficulties with faith, knowing that God is with us, refining us for our good and His glory.
May this promise comfort and strengthen you in all seasons of life, reminding you that no matter if the season is one of peace or one of difficulty, God is tirelessly at work for your good.
