Loving God, Trusting His Plan

 

Reflection on Romans 8:28

Scripture:

“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.” (Romans 8:28, NIV)

This verse offers one of the greatest assurances in Scripture: that God is actively working in every circumstance for the good of His people. Paul’s words are not wishful thinking but a confident declaration: “We know.” This certainty comes from a deep trust in God’s character—He is sovereign, loving, and faithful.

Paul doesn’t limit God’s work to good times or pleasant situations. Instead, he boldly states that “in all things”—both joy and suffering, success and failure—God is at work. Life’s trials may seem random or chaotic, but this verse assures us that nothing is beyond God’s control. He can take even the most painful or confusing situations and use them for His ultimate purpose. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “God whispers to us in our pleasures, speaks in our conscience, but shouts in our pain.”

This promise is specific to those who love God and are in relationship with Him. Loving God means trusting Him, even when we don’t understand what He is doing. It means believing that He is working for our eternal good, even when life feels difficult or unfair.

Paul reminds us that we are “called according to His purpose.” God’s purpose is greater than our immediate comfort or desires. His ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of Christ (Romans 8:29). While we may not always see or understand His plan, we can trust that He is shaping us for something far greater—eternity with Him.

John Stott echoes this sentiment by highlighting that loving God is the key to understanding this promise:

“To love God is not merely to acknowledge His existence, but to yield to Him, to seek His glory, and to trust in His wisdom and goodness. Those who love Him are those who live for His purposes, knowing that their highest good is to be conformed to the likeness of His Son.”

Stott’s reflection helps us see that trusting in God’s purpose means submitting to His will, even when life’s events seem incomprehensible. This relationship of love enables believers to remain hopeful, knowing that God’s ultimate goal is their eternal good, not merely their present comfort.

Application and Prayer

Romans 8:28 calls us to live with faith and hope, knowing that God is in control. It challenges us to trust His purposes, even when life doesn’t make sense. When we face hardships, we can cling to the truth that God is weaving everything into a greater good.

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for the assurance that You are working all things together for my good. Help me to trust in Your purposes, especially when life feels difficult or uncertain. Teach me to love You more deeply and walk faithfully in the calling You have placed on my life. May I rest in the knowledge that You are always at work, shaping me for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.