All Things Work Together for Good
The promise of Romans 8:28 has been a source of deep comfort to Christians for centuries. Our focus today is on the opening phrase of that promise: We know. Scripture provides abundant evidence that this confidence is well‑founded. Through his own experience, Paul affirmed that in every circumstance of life, God is actively at work for the good of those who love Him. The same God who shaped Paul’s life had a clear objective for him—to conform him increasingly to the image of Jesus Christ. Paul learned this truth, and we can learn it as well, through several avenues:
Sickness (2 Corinthians 12:7–10)
…Therefore, so that I would not exalt myself, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to torment me so that I would not exalt myself. Concerning this, I pleaded with the Lord three times that it would leave me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is perfected in weakness.
Therefore, I will most gladly boast all the more about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may reside in me. So I take pleasure in weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and in difficulties, for the sake of Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
Paul testified that even in sickness and pain, God accomplishes His purposes. Scholars have long debated the exact nature of Paul’s thorn in the flesh, but Scripture does not specify it. What we do know is that it involved ongoing physical suffering. Satan acted only within the limits God permitted, and God allowed this affliction for His own wise reasons.
Like all of us, Paul prayed for healing. Our instinct in hardship is always to seek deliverance—and God certainly can deliver—but He does not always choose to do so. Paul’s remarkable response was not to become sickness‑focused but Christ‑focused. When healing did not come, he discovered the sufficiency of Christ’s power in his weakness.
Circumstances (Philippians 1:12–14)
Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually advanced the gospel,so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard, and to everyone else, that my imprisonment is because I am in Christ. Most of the brothers have gained confidence in the Lord from my imprisonment and dare even more to speak the word fearlessly.
Paul also learned that God works through difficult and unjust circumstances. Consider what had happened to him: after faithfully preaching the gospel, planting churches, and strengthening believers, he was falsely accused, illegally arrested, and transported to Rome as a prisoner. Nearly everyone abandoned him. Cut off from his ministry and confined to a cell, Paul had every reason to despair.
Yet he viewed every obstacle as an opportunity. His imprisonment emboldened other believers and opened doors for him to share Christ with his captors. What a perspective—one that sees God’s hand even in the most unfair situations.
Criticism (Philippians 1:15–19)
To be sure, some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. These preach out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; the others proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, thinking that they will cause me trouble in my imprisonment. What does it matter? Only that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is proclaimed, and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will continue to rejoice because I know this will lead to my salvation through your prayers and help from the Spirit of Jesus Christ.
Paul also faced criticism from fellow Christians. Some preached Christ out of sincere motives, while others did so hoping to stir up trouble for Paul. Throughout his ministry, he endured attempts to discredit him because he was not one of the original twelve apostles. He was undermined, questioned, and criticized repeatedly.
Paul’s response was strikingly simple: What does it matter? His concern was not his reputation but the advancement of the gospel. If Christ was being preached, he rejoiced—even when it came at personal cost.
Death (2 Timothy 1:11–12; 4:16–17)
For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher, and that is why I suffer these things. But I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that he is able to guard what has been entrusted to me until that day…At my first defense, no one stood by me, but everyone deserted me. May it not be counted against them. But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, so that I might fully preach the word and all the Gentiles might hear it. So I was rescued from the lion’s mouth.
As Paul approached the end of his life, he entrusted himself fully to God. His second imprisonment in Rome was far harsher than the first. In his final letter, 2 Timothy, he wrote of being deserted by everyone at his first defense. Yet he added, But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me. Paul did not waste energy fighting the unfairness of life because he was convinced that all things work together for the good.
Others may forsake you. You may face sickness, criticism, or unjust circumstances. But God never abandons His children. He stands with us and strengthens us. And we must remember a hard but necessary truth: the gospel of God and the glory of God are far more important than our personal comfort or convenience. God strengthens us through trials so that His gospel may be made known.
We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Do you believe that?
Dr. Miguel J. Gonzalez is the Founder and President of Reasons for Faith International Ministries. He served as a pastor for ten years in Charlotte, NC and has taught in churches and conferences throughout the United States. He currently hosts the Time in the Word and Truth To Live By podcasts and writes at KnowingChristianity.blogspot.com.
Copyright © 2006–2026 by Miguel J. Gonzalez Th.D. and published by Reasons for Faith International Ministries, Inc. by permission. No part may be altered or edited in any way. Permission is granted to use in digital or printed form so long as it is circulated without charge, and in its entirety. This document may not be repackaged in any form for sale or resale. All reproductions must contain the copyright notice (i.e., Copyright © 2006-2021 Miguel J. Gonzalez Th.D.) and this Copyright/Limitations notice.
