“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28
Nearly every Christian is familiar with this verse and many claim it as their favorite, but I wonder how many actually believe it. Based on their attitude regarding afflictions it appears that they don’t. Rather than accept what God appoints or allows they get angry, and miss the benefit of believing what God says.
Over and over again I have read what Charles Spurgeon said about it. He started by saying,”The worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing that could befall to me!”
Then he proceeded to explain, “I venture to say that the greatest earthly blessing that God can give to any of us is health—with the exception of sickness. Sickness has frequently been of more use to the saints of God than health has.
The believer is absolutely sure that an invisible hand is always on the world’s helm, and that wherever providence may drift, Jehovah steers it. That reassuring knowledge prepares him for everything. He looks over the raging waters, and sees Jesus treading the billows; and he hears a voice saying, “It is I, do not be afraid!”
Knowing that God is always wise, he is confident that there can be no accidents or mistakes. He knows that nothing can occur, which ought not to arise. He can say, “If I should lose all I have, it is better that I should lose, than have—if God so wills. The worst calamity is the wisest and the kindest thing that could befall to me—if God ordains it.”
“We know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God.” The Christian does not merely hold this as a theory, but he knows it as a matter of fact.
Everything has worked for good as yet. The poisonous drugs mixed in fit proportions, have worked the cure. The sharp cuts of the lance, have cleansed out the infected flesh and facilitated the healing. Every event as yet has worked out the most divinely blessed results.
Believing . . .
that God rules all,
that He governs wisely,
that He brings good out of evil
—the believer is enabled calmly to meet each trial as it comes. He can in the spirit of true resignation pray, “Send me what you will, my God—so long as it comes from You! A bad portion never came from Your table, to any of Your redeemed children.”
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
