Do you think God can use your current hardship today, and use it to work it all together for good? Do you truly believe, are you acting right now in a way that believes, God can work all things together for good? Just think of how this faith (momentum) in God would make your current attitudes and focus on the situation different. Is there a Bible verse about this?
Romans 8:28-30, (two original Biblical Greek language sentences)
Original Gk Sentence “28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.
Original Gk Sentence “29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren, 30 moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.”
Several object lessons could illustrate Romans 8:28-30
1. The Sculptor and the Clay:
Materials: A lump of clay, sculpting tools.
Lesson: Begin with a shapeless lump of clay (representing us in our imperfect state). Explain that the clay, by itself, can’t become a beautiful sculpture. The sculptor (God) uses various tools (trials, challenges, relationships) to shape and mold the clay, sometimes through seemingly harsh methods (difficult times). The final product, although it might have gone through some rough patches in the process, is far more beautiful and refined than the original lump. Emphasize that even the “rough” parts were necessary to create the masterpiece.
2. The Mosaic:
Materials: Many small, differently colored tiles.
Lesson: Show the individual tiles representing different experiences—good and bad. Explain that though each piece might seem insignificant on its own and some might seem ugly or broken (difficult moments), together they create a beautiful and meaningful mosaic (our life’s journey). Emphasize that even the “broken” pieces contribute to the overall beauty. It’s the combination of all the pieces, good and bad, that make the whole picture. The final result depends on how skillfully the pieces are arranged (God’s plan), not just the individual pieces’ appearance.
3. The Puzzle:
Materials: A jigsaw puzzle, preferably one with a beautiful picture. You could even use a puzzle with some damaged or missing pieces.
Lesson: Start with the mixed-up pieces (life’s challenges). Show that it is difficult to see the final image (God’s plan) when the pieces are jumbled. Slowly put together the puzzle, emphasizing that some pieces might be difficult to find or fit (difficult times). Explain that even though some pieces might be missing (hard to understand situations) or damaged, they still contribute to a bigger picture. The final picture, despite some missing or damaged pieces, is far more beautiful than a pile of scattered pieces. Discuss how, despite the difficulties in the process, the final picture is beautiful and complete.
Romans 8:28-30
Because God is here with us… we can experience a profound transformation. Romans 8:28-30 assures us that in all things, God works for the good of those who love Him—those who have been called according to His purpose. This isn’t a passive assurance; it’s a call to action, a promise contingent on our relationship with God and our understanding of His purpose for our lives.
V. 28 This passage speaks of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness, guaranteeing that even amidst trials and hardships, He is actively working to shape us into the image of Christ, Ephesians 4:24, Colossians 3:10 new self in His image, Corinthians new creation in Him. The Greek words used emphasize the completeness and all-encompassing nature of God’s work in our lives. This means:
We can have faith in all things. Knowing God is sovereign allows unwavering faith, even in the face of adversity.
We can always (Greek meaning to the maximum whole extent) be content, thankful, joyful, and forgiving. God’s grace empowers us to cultivate these attitudes, not through our own strength, but through dependence on Him. Forgiveness, however, isn’t a superficial “I forgive you”; it’s a process of actively working towards reconciliation, mirroring God’s own compassionate forgiveness. We actively encourage others to come and ask for forgiveness, fostering a relationship built on love and healing. We don’t simply drop issues but seek reconciliation like Jesus did, Ephesians 4:32.
We can do all things through Christ’s strength, Philippians 4:13. Our abilities are amplified when we rely on the power of the Holy Spirit through our Mediator Christ, 1 Timothy 2:5. God doesn’t allow us to face challenges beyond our ability to overcome them; He provides the escape route, the strength, and the wisdom to navigate them, 1 Corinthians 10:13.
V.29 In all things, God works together for good… This doesn’t mean hardships disappear; rather, God uses every experience, even the painful ones, to mold us, refine us, and make us more Christ-like. The purpose isn’t necessarily worldly success but spiritual growth and transformation. Enduring challenges helps us become more like the second Adam, reflecting the image of Christ to the world. We are mirrors of the Trinity intended to show creation His love. They may mean it for Evil, but God for good, Genesis 50:20, with Psalm 119:68 showing God is doing good so stick with Him.
Seriously, do you think God can use your current hardship to work it out together for good? Romans 8:28-29 provides a clear answer: absolutely! However, this is a conditional promise. Two primary conditions must be met:
1. V. 28, Do you love God? A genuine love for God forms the foundation of this promise. It’s a love that trusts His plan, even when it’s difficult to understand.
2. V. 28, Do you know what God’s purpose is for you? This requires seeking Him through prayer, Scripture, and community. Ephesians 1:10 & 2:10 reminds us that God’s purpose is for us to be transformed into and living through the image of Christ. It involves doing His good works and living a life that reflects His love and grace.
If we fulfill these conditions, God’s promise is certain: He will use all things—the good and the bad—to work together for our good and to conform us to the image of His Son.
V. 30 glorification will come (glorify= to have your opinion be in awe!)—This transformation requires self-examination.
Are our thoughts, words, and actions reflecting Christ? Are we willing to pick up our cross daily (Matthew 16:24), not just to escape hell, but to build a deeper relationship with God and become more Christ-like? This is the practical purpose of salvation—not to be saved from hell, but to become mirrors of God’s love and grace.
We need to bear one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2) , helping others in similar circumstances. Genesis 1:27, made in the image of God means when people see us they should see mirror image of God.
Where do we fall short of Christlikeness? Let’s start there, addressing our own shortcomings and seeking His help to overcome our weaknesses. The answer is “yes” to being an overcomer with God on our side.
We strive to show compassion. Through it all, we remember the ultimate aim of becoming more like Christ, becoming the mirrors of God’s love and grace in the world. This is the very definition of “Christian”.