I know that God works all things together for good to those who love Him.

This truth is one of the great convictions of my life.

Let me tell you how I know God does this.

First, I know God works all things together for good because of Scripture.

The apostle Paul made this abundantly clear. Though he faced persecutions, perils, and imprisonment, he saw the hand of God in everything that happened. He, of course, didn’t mean that God caused everything or even that everything was good. He simply meant that God takes everything we face and redeems it for good in our lives.

For example, he affirmed how his imprisonment had made it possible for the whole praetorian guard to understand that he was in chains for the cause of the gospel (Philippians 1:13).

Later, as he wrote to the church in Rome Paul assured these believers that “God works all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Joseph, in the Old Testament, shows us a Christ-like spirit as he forgave his brothers and told them that what they meant for evil God used for good (Genesis 50:20).

The Scripture affirms that God works all things together for good.

Second, the experiences of my life convince me that God redeems everything in our lives.

My senior year in high school was supposed to be a special year. I was the captain of our football team, and I looked forward to football season.

It didn’t quite work out the way I planned!

Exactly fourteen days before football practice started I crushed my left arm in a farm accident. Amazingly, it healed nicely and quickly. I could see I would get to play football that year.

Then, on the day football practice started, which was my 17th birthday, I had my appendix taken out.

I thought the worst that could ever have happened had happened to me. But God used it for good. He used those hard experiences to get my attention and let me see that He had a bigger plan in my life. A few months later He called me to preach– an experience for which I am profoundly grateful.

Third, I know God works all things together for good because of the life of Jesus.

Just think, the worst sin ever committed (on Good Friday) became the greatest blessing for humans (John Kincaid). God used it to become the most powerful day in history. 

God works all things to good for those who love him.

If you would like to to receive a devotional from me each morning, please subscribe at WaylonBailey.com.