Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty - A Reflection on Romans 8:28
"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
What is the Meaning of Romans 8:28?
The Apostle Paul was encouraging the church in Rome to find victory over sin through faith in Jesus Christ. Satan, the world, and our own sinful flesh resist the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Paul was using this verse to encourage the church to persevere through the trials and temptation they faced, remembering the resurrection that is to come.
God is sovereign and in control of all things. This verse suggests that, no matter what happens, God has a plan and a purpose for our lives, and that he is working to bring about good things for those who love him and are called according to his purpose, including our eternal salvation. The promise of Romans 8:28 can be a source of hope and comfort for Christians who are facing adversity, as it reminds us that God is always with us and is working for our good.
Surrendering to God’s Sovereignty
God uses all of our experiences, both the good and the bad, to bring about His purpose for our lives: to be conformed to the image of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Ana was a missionary, called by God to share the gospel with an unreached people group in Central Asia. Despite the dangers inherent in her mission, she set out on her journey, determined to bring faith and hope to those without a Savior. Unfortunately, she paid the ultimate price for her obedience to God's call, and was martyred while on the mission field. Some of her friends and family were left wondering, how did this situation work for Ana's good?
Romans 8:30 says, "And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified." Everyone who has been saved by God's grace has been called into His service. God's calling is not limited to pastors and missionaries. Everyone has a role to play in fulfilling God's purposes on earth.
God's purpose is to reconcile the world to Himself (Colossians 1:19-22). Through the redemption provided by Jesus Christ, God bring us into a relationship with Himself, so that we may experience the fullness of life and joy that comes from knowing Him (John 10:10). God desires to transform us and use us to bring about His kingdom on earth (Matthew 28:19-20). He also desires for us to be a part of His family, and for us to share in His glory for all eternity (Romans 8:17).
As we strive to live out God's purposes, we will inevitably face difficulties and trials. James 1:2-4 says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." These trials are often painful, but they help us to grow in our faith.
God promises to use all of our experiences, both the good and the bad, to bring about His ultimate purpose for our lives. Romans 8:28-29 further explains this, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son.” God promises to use our struggles and difficulties to shape us and make us more like Christ.
Despite her tragic and untimely death, God used Ana's faithful service to call many people to faith in Jesus Christ. Her sacrifice was not in vain. Though she may have paid the ultimate price for her obedience to Christ, she will experience the fullness of God's goodness and glory in the resurrection that is to come.
The promise of God's goodness in Romans 8:28, is the promise of resurrection. Like Ana, everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ will be transformed and conformed to the image of Christ, so that we may share in God's glory and be part of His eternal family forever. Let us make the most of our time on earth, fulfilling our calling in Christ knowing that nothing can stop us from experiencing God's eternal reward.
A Prayer for Perseverance
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for Your promise that all things work together for our good. We praise You for Your faithfulness and for the hope that You give us in the midst of our trials and tribulations.
Help us to trust You more and to turn to You in times of difficulty and distress. Grant us the courage to follow You and to be obedient to Your call on our lives.
As we strive to fulfill Your purpose for us, let us be reminded that nothing can separate us from Your love. Help us to grow in our faith and to be conformed to the image of Your Son, Jesus Christ. We surrender our lives to You, knowing that You will work all things for our good.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
