“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28
Let’s dive into a truth that, despite the pain it addresses, carries a glimmer of hope: Although suffering isn’t good, God can use it to accomplish good. Now, you won’t find a single line in the Bible claiming that God is the author of evil and suffering. But what you will find is a promise—God specializes in creating good out of the bad.
Romans 8:28 speaks volumes: “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Here’s the catch—this promise isn’t for everyone; it’s for those of us who love God and are committed to living for Him. God acknowledges that we will experience suffering in this world, but in the same breath, He reassures us that He’s in the business of turning tragedies into triumphs.
Think about it: good things emerge from bad things when we’re steadfast in following God. Recently, I had a profound conversation with my dad. We delved into the idea that, unexpectedly, the closest he ever felt to God was during his battle with throat cancer. He shared, “I wouldn’t be the man, pastor, husband, father, or follower of Jesus I am today if it wasn’t for that valley season in my story.”
Let that sink in. None of us willingly sign up for a valley season or a health battle. Pain and suffering aren’t volunteer opportunities we eagerly embrace. Yet, God, in His redemptive power, takes those seasons we avoid, those we hate, and transforms them into catalysts for our growth and closeness to Christ.
Even when life throws at us what we’d rather dodge, remember that good stuff still emerges from the bad stuff with God. He’s at work, weaving purpose into our pain, drawing us closer to Him, and crafting beauty out of brokenness.