Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered outside the gate. Therefore, let us go forth to him outside the camp, bearing his reproach. For we have no continuing city here, but we seek one to come.
Select a thought to read by choosing a collection, the month, and then the day:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God and are the called according to His purpose.”
Romans 8:28
It isn’t true that all things work for your good. The Bible never says that. What Paul wrote was that “all things work together for good” to those who love God and are the called, according to God’s purpose. When a bad thing happens in your life, it would never produce something good for you or in you if God didn’t blend that bad thing together with something else.
That “something else” may be anything. God is not limited. It may even be something else bad. Joseph, for example, was sold into slavery. There was nothing good in that for him, and he knew it. That is why he wept bitterly and begged his older brothers not to do that to him. And then, Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison. That was another bad thing. But while a prisoner, Joseph met the man who would eventually be the key to getting him out of both slavery and prison, and it all was worked together by the hand of God for Joseph’s good, and for the good of Joseph’s brothers.
Crucial to having a happy ending to your story is a godly attitude. Keep doing what is right, no matter what. Do not fall victim to the “poor, pitiful me” attitude of this generation. Work righteousness, and be diligent about it. Love your neighbor and never seek to do him ill. Trust God. These are the kinds of things that make it possible for the circumstances of your life, all of them, whether good or bad, to blend together and bring constant blessings to you.
A bad thing by itself is just plain bad. No good will come of it for anyone. But God knows how to work that bad thing together with other things, whether good or bad, to produce blessings in your life if you love God and belong to His called-out people.