Does the Bible really say that God works out everything for my good?

Indeed there is a verse in the Bible that says God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, but it’s too basic of an understanding of this verse to say that God makes sure that only good things will happen to me.

Many Christians have very hard things going on in their lives, and we try to convince ourselves that it must be “good” because it says so in Romans.

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)

This verse is actually part of a long passage in the Bible that speaks about a spiritual battle going on in our lives, and how God chose His followers from the formation of the world, and He gave them His Spirit to be able to follow and trust Him even when things are going very wrong.

This verse was written to people who were hated because of their faith and who would eventually need to make life and death decisions to keep following Jesus.

Clearly that doesn’t feel like anything “good”.

But Paul finishes this verse saying, “we are called according to His purpose”, to spend eternity with Him. In the end, the “good” that God has for us is His eternal kingdom. So even when life hands you a horrible situation, be reminded that God has a greater good for those who to trust in Him.