Paul
Harvey had a radio show called “The Rest of the Story.” He would talk about
someone who overcame obstacles, but he kept the person’s identity a secret
until the end when would reveal it and say, “And now you know…the REST of the
story.”
Romans
8:28 is the Christian’s Rest of the Story: “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose” (Rom. 8:28).
It’s important to understand 5 things this verse does not say, which helps
us understand what it does say.
1. It doesn’t say “We
hope” but “We know.” Paul did not say that we hope
everything will turn out for good. Even though
Paul didn’t know what his readers were going through, he makes a universal
promise to every believer until Jesus returns that we can know God will
work everything together for our good.
2. It doesn’t say God
causes all things to happen, but He causes all things to work
together. Some people wrongly believe God causes
everything to happen, even evil and tragedy.
While God does not cause all things to happen, He is in
control of all things. James 1:13 tells us God does not tempt anyone, but 1
Corinthians 10:13 says God will not allow us to be tempted beyond what
we are able to handle, but will provide the way of escape. This shows
God does not cause temptation but He is in control of the circumstances around
it.
3. It doesn’t say all
things are good, but that He works all things together for good. If Satan can turn good
into evil, why can’t God turn evil into good? People did evil things to Joseph, but God turned those injustices
around to promote him as a ruler in Egypt (Gen. 37-41). He can do the same thing
for our situations.
4. It doesn’t say God
does this for everyone, but for those who love Him. God causes all things
to work together for good to “those who love God.” This is a promise to
His followers, but isn’t a guarantee to everybody.
5. It doesn’t say for
our happiness, but for His purpose. God may not have
the first word in everything that happens but He does have the last
word. When bad things happen, God says, “I have the last word and my
purposes will be accomplished.” And now you know the REST of the story!
Over 270 printable Bible studies at www.makinglifecount.net
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Making Life Count Ministries
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
www.makinglifecount.net Twitter: @KentCrockett
www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com
Receive these devotionals (free) by email: You can subscribe in the box on the right at www.kentcrockett.blogspot.com (Your email will not be given out. You’ll receive an email when the new devotional is posted)
P.O. Box 680174
Prattville, Alabama 36068-0174
www.makinglifecount.net Twitter: @KentCrockett