Not long ago I heard someone ask a serious, heartfelt question.

They wanted to know if God really works all things for good?

I think many people want to ask the same question and are looking for answers about the hard times of life.

This seems to be the problem with so many people who have difficulty believing in God. They have a hard time reconciling the evil of the world and the goodness of God. If there is a kind, beneficent God, why is there so much pain in the world?

What should we say about Romans 8:28? “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.”

I wrote about my experience with Romans 8:28 not long ago. You can read it here: http://waylonbailey.com/2014/04/24/god-does-good-work/

How do we handle this issue?

First, let me be quick to affirm that I believe God does take the pain of our lives and uses it for good. I do believe God really is good and kind. I believe He wants to redeem every event of our lives.

Second, let me also be quick to affirm that I do not believe God causes everything. At age 16 I had my arm mangled in a farm accident. My inexperience caused the accident that could have taken my life. Why did God let me live?

Over the years I have thought about that event. God could have prevented the accident, but I probably would not be better for His having done so. I learned a life long lesson that day. It also made me think about God and the future. God did not cause it, but God used it for good in my life

We–at least not I–can’t solve the problem of evil, but I do have confidence that God works on our behalf and that He wants to take our tragedies and turn them into triumphs for us.

Third, to fully experience God’s goodness and provision, we must turn our lives over to Him. When you face the inevitable hurts, ask God to use it for good. Ask Him to help you change what others may have meant for evil to good.

Finally, take on the perspective of Joseph. He had confidence in God. He responded to his brothers that “you meant my slavery for evil but God used it for good.” God used Joseph’s experience to bless others.

Whatever we experience in life, let us look for ways to use our experiences to glorify God and bless other people.

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