In Romans 8:28 it says, “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.” (NLT)
The individual ingredients for a cake will not taste good at all on their own. Some of them are quite bitter. For instance If I eat flour by itself, it doesn’t taste good. If I eat baking powder or raw egg or oil by itself, I’ll get grossed out. Even the vanilla by itself doesn’t taste good—none of the ingredients do! But when mixed all together and baked, it’s delicious.
One of the greatest promises of the Bible is found in Romans 8:28: “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” (NLT).
Notice this verse does not say that everything is good. A quick look at the news headlines proves that isn’t true. And it doesn’t say this promise is for everyone. It’s just those who love God. The way God works all things together for good is kind of like baking a cake.
In your life and in the world, there will be elements that are bitter and unpleasant. You might think, “That doesn’t taste good. I don’t like that change in my life. I don’t like what’s happening in the world today.”
When I’m in a season of rapid and relentless change, and some of the elements don’t taste good, I should determine to not become bitter by seeing only the negative in my circumstances. Because even when I can’t see it, I can trust that God takes it all—the good and the bitter—and uses it for his good plan.
I can’t see it now, but I will taste its sweetness in heaven one day.
God works in "everything", not just isolated incidents, for my good. God is not working to make me happy, but rather to fulfill his purpose. I am learning to trust in God and not in life's treasures, for my true security is in heaven, not on earth. My faith should not waiver in pain and persecution, because I know that God is with me.
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