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Romans 8:28 - Triumph in Tragedy.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) And we know that in all 
things God works for the good of those who love 
him, who have been called according to his 
purpose.  

Romans 8:28 (CWR) We know that God will make 
all things work out for our eventual good, as 
long as we trust Him and remain true to the 
purpose for which He called us.  

COMMENTARY PEARL

   One of the great fears you face in this 
life is the fear of the future. You fear for the 
future of your family, your friends, your job, your 
community - and everything else in between. 
   Its natural. Youre not in control. 
But that realization should drive you to trust 
God more deeply. 
   You might not be in control of your 
future, but God is. He created the whole universe. 
If he wanted to, the Lord could just snap it 
out of existence in a moment. Yet he is working 
his plan in history. He is moving history to a 
climax, a destiny. One day Jesus Christ will come 
back to Earth. Nothing will stop that.  
   Just as God is working in history to move 
events toward a particular moment, he will work in 
your life for a purpose, too - if youll let 
him. 
   The Bible says, And 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 (Romans 8:28 NLT). 
   Gods Word doesnt say that 
everything is good. It also doesnt say that God 
causes everything. He doesnt cause war. He 
doesnt cause cancer. He doesnt cause rape, 
abuse, or molestation. He doesnt cause evil. 
People do that. God gives people the freedom to 
choose. Evil is the price of that freedom. 
   But the Bible does say that God causes 
everything to work together for good. He can take the 
dumb, evil, and bad decisions youve made in 
your life and use them for good if youll trust 
him. Romans 8:28 isnt a promise for everyone, 
though. Its for those who love God. Its 
for those who trust God and say, Here, Lord, 
you take all the broken pieces of my life and 
put them together. 
   This is why, when I read the headlines 
each day, I dont worry. Sure, there are a lot 
of problems in the world today, but God is 
still in control. God is still moving history to a 
climax. And God is still moving his people toward 
his best for them. One day God will work 
everything out for his purpose.  
   Because God is in control, you can trust 
him with everything - including the good, the 
bad, and the ugly of your life. [Daily Devotional 
by Rick Warren: 
https://pastorrick.com/devotional/] 

COMMENTARY

   We knowThere are so many things we do 
not know. We do not know if the economy will dip 
or if our team will win. We do not know what 
our spouse is thinking or how our kids will turn 
out. We dont even know what we ought to 
pray (Rom. 8:26). But according to Paul, we can 
be absolutely certain about four things. We 
know 
   1. God works. He is busy behind the 
scenes, above the fray, within the fury. He hasnt 
checked out or moved on. He is ceaseless and 
tireless. He never stops working. 
   2. God works for the good. Not for our 
comfort or pleasure or entertainment, but for our 
ultimate good. Since he is the ultimate good, would 
we expect anything less? 
   3. God works for the good of those who 
love him. Behold the benefit of loving God! Make 
his story your story, and your story takes on a 
happy ending. Guaranteed. Being the author of our 
salvation, he writes a salvation theme into our 
biography. 
   4. God works in all things. Panta, in 
Greek. Like panoramic or panacea or 
pandemic. All-inclusive. God works, not through a few 
things or through the good things, best things, or 
easy things. But in all things God works. 
   Puppet in the hands of fortune or fate? 
Not you. You are in the hands of a living, 
loving God. Random collection of disconnected short 
stories? Far from it. Your life is a crafted 
narrative written by a good God, who is working toward 
your supreme good. From Gods Story, Your Story 
[Max Lucado Daily Devotional at maxlucado.com] 

Do You Trust Him?
   I know God knows what's best.
   I know I don't. 
   I know he cares.
   Such words come easily when the water is 
calm. But when you're looking at a wrecked car or 
a suspicious-looking mole, when war breaks out 
or thieves break in, do you trust him? 
   Scripture, from Old Testament to New, 
from prophets to poets to preachers, renders one 
unanimous chorus: God directs the affairs of humanity. 
No leaf falls without God's knowledge. No 
dolphin gives birth without his permission. No wave 
crashes on the shore apart from his calculation. God 
has never been surprised. Not once. 
   I am the one who creates the light and 
makes the darkness. I am the one who sends good 
times and bad times. I, the Lord, am the one who 
does these things. (Isa. 45:7) 
   Some find the thought impossible to 
accept. One dear woman did. After I shared these 
ideas in a public setting, she asked to speak with 
me. Husband at her side, she related the story 
of her horrible childhood. First abused, then 
abandoned by her father. Unimaginable and undeserved 
hurts scar her early memories. Through tear-filled 
eyes she asked, "Do you mean to tell me God was 
watching the whole time?" 
   The question vibrated in the room. I 
shifted in my chair and answered, "Yes, he was. I 
don't know why he allowed your abuse, but I do 
know this. He loves you and hurts with you." She 
didn't like the answer. But dare we say anything 
else? Dare we suggest that God dozed off? 
Abandoned his post? That heaven sees but can't act? 
That our Father is kind but not strong, or strong 
but doesn't care? 
   I wish she could have spoken to Joseph. 
His brothers abused him, selling him into 
slavery. Was God watching? Yes. And our sovereign God 
used their rebellious hearts to save a nation 
from famine and the family of the Messiah from 
extinction. As Joseph told them, "God turned into good 
what you meant for evil" (Gen. 50:20). 
   Best of all would have been a 
conversation with Jesus himself. He begged God for a 
different itinerary: a crossless death. From 
Gethsemane's garden Christ pleaded for a Plan B. 
Redemption with no nails. " Father, if you are 
willing, please take this cup of suffering away from 
me. Yet I want your will, not mine.' Then an 
angel from heaven appeared and strengthened him" 
(Luke 22:42-43). 
   Did God hear the prayer of his Son? 
Enough to send an angel. Did God spare his Son from 
death? No. The glory of God outranked the comfort 
of Christ. So Christ suffered, and God's grace 
was displayed and deployed. 
   Are you called to endure a Gethsemane 
season? Have you "been granted for Christ's sake, 
not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer 
for His sake" (Phil. 1:29 NASB)? 
   If so, then come thirsty and drink deeply 
from his lordship. He authors all itineraries. He 
knows what is best. No struggle will come your way 
apart from his purpose, presence, and permission. 
What encouragement this brings! You are never the 
victim of nature or the prey of fate. Chance is 
eliminated. You are more than a weather vane whipped 
about by the winds of fortune. Would God truly 
abandon you to the whims of drug-crazed thieves, 
greedy corporate raiders, or evil leaders? Perish 
the thought! 
   When you pass through the waters, I will 
be with you; 
   And through the rivers, they will not 
overflow you. 
   When you walk through the fire, you will 
not be scorched, 
   Nor will the flame burn you.
   For I am the Lord your God. (Isa. 43:2-3 
NASB) 
   We live beneath the protective palm of a 
sovereign King who superintends every circumstance of 
our lives and delights in doing us good. 
   Nothing comes your way that has not first 
passed through the filter of his love.  
   Learn well the song of sovereignty: I 
know God knows what's best. Pray humbly the 
prayer of trust: "I trust your lordship. I belong 
to you. Nothing comes to me that hasn't passed 
through you." 
   A word of caution: the doctrine of 
sovereignty challenges us. Study it gradually. Don't 
share it capriciously. When someone you love faces 
adversity, don't insensitively declare, "God is in 
control." A cavalier tone can eclipse the right truth. 
Be careful. 
   And be encouraged. God's ways are always 
right. They may not make sense to us. They may be 
mysterious, inexplicable, difficult, and even painful. 
But they are right. "And 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" (Rom. 8:28). [Max Lucado Daily 
Devotional at maxlucado.com] 

A Hope-Filled Heart
   You and I live in a trashy world. 
Unwanted garbage comes our way on a regular basis. 
Havent you been handed a trash sack of mishaps and 
heartaches? Sure you have. May I ask, what are you going 
to do with it? You could hide it. Pretend it 
isnt there. But sooner or later it will start to 
stink. So what will you do? 
   If you follow the example of Christ, 
youll learn to see tough times differently. God 
wants you to have a hope-filled heart  just 
like Jesus. Wouldnt you want that? Jesus saw 
his Fathers presence in the problem. Sure, 
Max, but Jesus was God. I cant see the way he 
saw. Not yet, maybe. But dont underestimate 
Gods power. He can change the way you look at 
life. [Max Lucado Daily Devotional at 
maxlucado.com] 

ILLUSTRATIONS

God is in the Crisis
   Do you recite your woes more naturally 
than you do heavens strength?  No wonder 
lifes tough. Youre assuming God isnt in this 
crisis. 
   Isabel spent her first three and a half 
years in a Nicaraguan orphanage. As with all 
orphans, her odds of adoption diminished with time. 
And then the door slammed on her finger! Why 
would God permit this innocent girl to feel even 
more pain? Might He be calling the attention of 
Ryan Schnoke sitting in the playroom nearby? He 
and his wife had been trying to adopt a child 
for months! Ryan walked over, picked her up, and 
comforted her. Several months later, Ryan and 
Christina were close to giving up, and Ryan remembered 
Isabel. Little Isabel is now growing up in a happy, 
healthy home. 
   A finger in the door? God doesnt 
manufacture pain, but He certainly puts it to use!  Your 
crisis?  Youll get through this! From Youll 
Get Through This [Max Lucado Daily Devotional at 
maxlucado.com] 

Learning to Trust the Master
   A man and his dog are in the same car. 
The dog howls 
bright-moon-in-the-middle-of-the-night caterwauling howls. The man pleads, 
promising a daily delivery of dog biscuit bouquets if 
only the hound will hush. After all, its only 
a car wash. 
   Never occurred to him - ahem, to me - 
that the car wash would scare my dog. But it did. 
Placing myself in her paws, I can see why. A huge, 
noisy machine presses toward us, pounding our 
window with water, banging against the door with 
brushes. Duck! Were under attack. 
   Dont panic. The car wash was my 
idea. Ive done this before. Its for 
our own good. Ever tried to explain a car 
wash to a canine? Dog dictionaries are minus the 
words brush and detail job. My words fell on 
fallen flaps. Nothing helped. She just did what 
dogs do; she wailed. 
   Actually, she did what we do. Dont we 
howl? Not at car washes perhaps but at hospital 
stays and job transfers. Let the economy go south 
or the kids move north, and we have a wail of a 
time. And when our Master explains whats 
happening, we react as if hes speaking Yalunka. We 
dont understand a word he says. 
   Is your world wet and wild? Gods 
greatest blessings often come costumed as disasters. 
Some of you doubt it. How can God use cancer or 
death or divorce? Simple. 
   Hes smarter than we are. He is to you 
what I was to four-year-old Amy. I met her at a 
bookstore. She asked me if I would sign her 
childrens book. When I asked her name, she watched as 
I began to write, To Amy  
   She stopped me right there. With wide 
eyes and open mouth, she asked, How did you 
know how to spell my name? 
   She was awed. You arent. You know the 
difference between the knowledge of a child and an 
adult. Can you imagine the difference between the 
wisdom of a human and the wisdom of God? What is 
impossible to us is like spelling Amy to him. 
For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so 
are My ways higher than your ways and My 
thoughts than your thoughts (Isa. 55:9). 
   I keep taking Molly to the car wash. 
Shes howling less. I dont think she 
understands the machinery. Shes just learning to 
trust her master. 
   Maybe well learn the same. [Max Lucado 
Daily Devotional at maxlucado.com] 

Its Going to Be Okay
   Bill Tucker was sixteen years old when 
his dad suffered a health crisis and 
consequently had to leave his business. Even after Mr. 
Tucker regained his health, the Tucker family 
struggled financially, barely getting by. 
   Mr. Tucker, an entrepreneurial sort, came 
up with an idea. He won the bid to reupholster 
the chairs at the local movie theater. This 
stunned his family. He had never stitched a seat. He 
didnt even own a sewing apparatus. Still, he found 
someone to teach him the skill and located an 
industrial-strength machine. The family scraped together every 
cent they had to buy it. They drained savings 
accounts and dug coins out of the sofa. Finally, they 
had enough. 
   It was a fine day when Bill road with his 
dad to pick up the equipment. Bill remembers a 
jovial, hour-long trip discussing the bright 
horizons this new opportunity afforded them. They 
loaded the machine in the back of their truck and 
secured it right behind the cab. Mr. Tucker then 
invited his son to drive home. Ill let Bill tell 
you what happened next: 
   As we were driving along, we were 
excited, and I, like any sixteen-year-old driver, was 
probably not paying enough attention to my speed. 
Just as we were turning on the cloverleaf to get 
on the expressway, I will never ever, ever 
forget watching that sewing machine, which was 
already top-heavy, begin to tip. I slammed on the 
brakes, but it was too late. I saw it go over the 
side. I jumped out and ran around the back of the 
truck. As I rounded the corner, I saw our hope and 
our dream lying on its side in pieces. And then 
I saw my dad just looking. All of his risk and 
all of his endeavor and all of his struggling 
and all of his dream, all of his hope to take 
care of his family was lying there, shattered. 
   You know what comes next dont you? 
Stupid, punk kid driving too fast, not paying 
attention, ruined the family by taking away our 
livelihood. But thats not what he said. He looked 
right at me. Oh, Bill, I am so sorry. And he 
walked over, put his arms around me, and said, 
Son, this is going to be okay. 
   God is whispering the same to you. Those 
are his arms you feel. Trust him. That is his 
voice you hear. Believe him. Allow the only 
decision maker in the universe to comfort you. Life 
at times appears to fall to pieces, seem 
irreparable. But its going to be okay. How can you 
know? Because God so loved the world. If God can 
make a billion galaxies, cant he make good out 
of our bad and sense out of our faltering 
lives? Of course he can. He is God. [Max Lucado 
Daily Devotional at maxlucado.com] 

A Mess for Good
   Twenty years of marriage, three kids, and 
now hes gone. Traded her in for a younger 
model. She told me her story, and we prayed. Then I 
said, It wont be painless or quick. But God 
will use this mess for good. With Gods help 
youll get through this. 
   Remember Joseph?  Genesis 37:4 says his 
brothers hated him.  Far from home, they cast 
him into a pit, leaving him for dead. A 
murderous cover-up from the get go. Pits have no easy 
exit. Josephs story got worse before it got 
better. Yet in his explanation we find his 
inspiration: You meant evil against me, he said, 
but God meant it for good..." The very acts 
intended to destroy Gods servant, turned out to 
strengthen him.  
   The same will be said about you. You will 
get through this! [Max Lucado Daily Devotional 
at maxlucado.com] 

CLOSING THOUGHT

God's One Great Goal
   For those He foreknew He also predestined 
to be conformed to the image of His Son. Romans 
8:29 
   What is God's great goal in the universe 
to which His energies are devoted? We have it 
in our text for today. The Living Bible puts 
this best, and I have no hesitation in saying 
that although it is not regarded as a true 
translation (it is, rather, a paraphrase), its rendering 
of Romans 8:29 is one of the most exciting 
things I have ever read. This is what it says: "For 
from the very beginning God decided that those 
who came to him . . . should become like his 
Son." God's great energy and wisdom, working on 
behalf of all Christians, is directed to making us 
like His Son Jesus Christ. Of course this purpose 
will only be fully realized in the world to come, 
but while we are here, He is pursuing this same 
purpose nevertheless.  
   It is only when we comprehend this that 
we will be able to understand the purpose that 
lies behind all our trials and difficulties. 
Romans 8:28""We know that all things work 
together for the good of those who love God""must 
be read in connection with Romans 8:29. Because 
God is committed to making us like His Son, His 
wisdom goes to work on every trial that comes our 
way in order to bring from it something that 
will enrich our character and make us more like 
Jesus Christ.  
   Infinite power is ruled by infinite 
wisdom. He could deliver us and make our lives 
comfortable, but in a fallen world this is not the best 
purpose. Understanding this is crucial if we are to 
live our lives the way God desires.  
   Father, forgive me that so often my goals 
are diametrically opposed to Yours. Help me 
bring my goals in line with Your goals. I shall 
need Your help to adjust. Whatever happens, keep 
me ever moving toward becoming more and more 
like Jesus. Amen. [Every Day With Jesus Bible 
with Selwyn Hughes devotional] 

PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS

   Come to Me for rest and refreshment. The 
journey has been too much for you, and you are 
bone-weary. Do not be ashamed of your exhaustion. 
Instead, see it as an opportunity for Me to take 
charge of your life. 
   Remember that I can fit everything into a 
pattern for good, including the things you wish were 
different. Start with where you are at this point in 
time and space, accepting that this is where I 
intend you to be. You will get through today one 
step, one moment at a time. Your main 
responsibility is to remain attentive to Me, letting Me 
guide you through the many choices along your 
pathway. 
   This sounds like an easy assignment, but 
it is not. Your desire to live in My Presence 
goes against the grain of "the world, the flesh, 
and the devil." Much of your weariness results 
from your constant battle against these 
opponents. However you are on the path of My choosing, 
so do not give up! Hope in Me, for you will 
again praise Me for the help of My Presence. (Rom. 
8:28; Psalm 42:11) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

   Trust Me in every detail of your life. 
Nothing is random in My kingdom. Everything that 
happens fits into a pattern for good, to those who 
love Me. Instead of trying to analyze the 
intricacies of the pattern, focus your energy on 
trusting Me and thanking Me at all times. Nothing is 
wasted when you walk close to Me. Even your 
mistakes and sins can be recycled into something 
good, through My transforming grace.  
   While you were still living in darkness, 
I began to shine the Light of My Presence into 
your sin-stained life. Finally, I lifted you up 
out of the mire into My marvelous Light. Having 
sacrificed My very Life for you, I can be trusted in 
every facet of your life. (Jer. 17:7; Rom. 8:28; 
Psa 40:2; 1 Pet. 2:9) [Jesus Calling by Sarah 
Young] 

   Don't be so hard on yourself. I can bring 
good even out of your mistakes. Your finite mind 
tends to look backward, longing to undo decisions 
you have come to regret. This is a waste of time 
and energy, leading only to frustration. Instead 
of floundering in the past, release your 
mistakes to Me. Look to Me in trust, anticipating 
that My infinite creativity can weave both good 
choices and bad into a lovely design.  
   Because you are human, you will continue 
to make mistakes. Thinking that you should live 
an error-free life is symptomatic of pride. 
Your failures can be a source of blessing, 
humbling you and giving you empathy for other people 
in their weaknesses. Best of all, failure 
highlights your dependence on Me. I am able to bring 
beauty out of the morass of your mistakes. Trust 
Me, and watch to see what I will do. (Rom. 8:28; 
Mic. 7:7) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

LINK FOR FURTHER STUDY ON THIS PASSAGE

Romans 8:28 - Triumph in Tragedy.

http://www.abible.com/devotions/2019/20190521-2031.html 

YOUR COMMENTS

If anyone has a paraphrase, commentary or 
testimony on this passage of Scripture, either 
personal or otherwise, I would be interested in 
hearing from you.  Thanks in advance and let's keep 
uplifting Jesus that all might be drawn to Him. Fred 
Gibbs  

LINKS WORTH CHECKING OUT

Most Important Decision in Life: 
http://www.youtube.com/embed/WGnEuGwvXqU?rel=0 

A Man without Equal by Bill Bright: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiVa7UoruIo 

Seeking God Made Real: 
http://vimeo.com/31489782 

Prayer Made Real: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tc8VdMV26VE 

Importance of Choice: 
http://creationhealth.com/CREATION-Health/Choice [click on video]  

Medical Seminar on Healthful Living by David 
DeRose, MD, MPH: 
https://www.smartlifestyletv.com/lifestart 

LINKS FOR BIBLE STUDIES 

Lifting Up Jesus Bible Studies: 
http://www.liftingupjesus.net/ 

Amazing Facts Bible Studies: 
http://www.amazingfacts.org/bible-study/bible-study-guides.aspx  

Hope Awakens Bible Study Guides: 
https://www.hopeawakens.study/lesson-header;id=2 

Glow Tract Video Bible Studies: 
http://www.bibleresearch.info/ 

LINKS FOR BIBLE PROPHECY SEMINARS

Revelation Now by Pastor Doug Batchelor: 
https://www.revelationnow.com/ 

Unlocking Bible Prophecies by Cami Oetman of 
Adventist World Radio (recent): 
https://bible.awr.org/en/the-signs/ 

Hope Awakens by John Bradshaw of IIW: 
https://itiswritten.tv/programs/hope-awakens 

Prophecies Decoded by Pastor Ron Clouzet: 
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1A435C5373550657