What Romans 8:28 Really Means
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose." – Romans 8:28
Have you ever struggled with this promise? Maybe it’s because it often doesn’t feel like everything is working out the way you’d like it to.
But we love this verse. We quote it at funerals and during hard times. We write it on cards and post it online. But do we understand what Paul actually means by "good" – “all things work together for good”?
The context makes it clear. If we look at verses 29-30 we see that God predestined us. He called us. He justified us. And he will glorify us. The "good" Paul speaks of is our salvation—sin’s forgiven, future secured, and our being conformed to the image of Jesus.
When we misread this verse, we set ourselves up for disappointment. It’s easy to expect God to fix our finances, heal our bodies, or restore our relationships. And those things may happen because God often gives us earthly blessings. But that's not the promise here.
The ultimate good is salvation itself. Everything in your life—every trial, every loss, every confusion—God weaves into the story of your salvation. He's not just making you happy. He's making you holy.
Joseph understood this. After years of betrayal, slavery, and prison, he told his brothers: "You meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring it about that many people should be kept alive" (Genesis 50:20). Joseph saw God's hand behind everything. But notice what he calls "good"—salvation for God's people.
Yet God's vision was bigger than Joseph could imagined. While Joseph thought about saving his family from famine, God was protecting the line that would lead to Jesus. The good was always about redemption.
This should change how you face today's struggles. That job loss? God is using it in your sanctification. That chronic pain? It's part of how he's conforming you to Jesus. That broken relationship? Even this serves his purpose of completing your salvation.
Don't misunderstand. This isn't cold comfort. It's actually the best news possible. Your circumstances may not improve. But your soul will. And on the last day, when you stand before Jesus fully transformed, you'll see how every chapter in your story was necessary.
God's love for you isn't measured by your comfort. It's proven by the cross. And the same God who gave his Son to save you will use everything—absolutely everything—to finish what he started.
Remember, God works all things not for your temporary happiness, but for your eternal good.
May the God who began a good work in you carry it through to completion.
Father, you are sovereign over every detail of my life. Forgive me when I demand comfort instead of conformity to Jesus. Thank you for using even my hardest trials for my salvation. Keep me trusting your good purposes today.
Song: All I Have Is Christ