There are many scriptures in the Bible that inspire us in times of trouble.
One famous bible verse that motivates us is Romans 8:28 – All things work together for Good for those who love God.
These words only become meaningful if we have absolute faith in God.
That is, when you are filled with so much pain through faith, you are undeterred.
About three years ago, I met a young lady with five children – All girls.
She and her husband have already lost hope of having a male child.
Then, suddenly, despite using contraception, she got pregnant.
They were both Christians and understood what it meant to have an abortion.
Nevertheless, at this point, they do not want another female child in their home.
So, I encouraged them to keep the pregnancy, and reluctantly, they agreed.
And then came the d-day; She gave birth to a male child.
They both came back to thank me and were so filled with joy.
What if she had an abortion?
That’s how God works.
When we go through afflictions, we should not feel deserted.
Instead, we must understand that God has better plans for his people.
At all times, we must be patient (this post will spur your patience in Christ).
The prophet Isaiah said,
For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. Isaiah 55:8-9 (NIV)
All Things Work Together For Good – What did Paul mean?
Paul, in Romans 8: 28-29, said
And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.
This bible verse teaches us the mindset of our God in heaven.
He knows all the trouble we face but allows it to occur because he knows there is a better end if we remain steadfast.
Most notably is the phrase “to them that love God.”
This phrase by Paul had an aim.
To inspire and strengthen the faith of obedient people yet face persecution.
This is because there is salvation if we continue in righteousness.
However, this verse is not for you if you live in sin.
Paul was describing the promise of eternal life set aside for those who obey God’s instructions.
Therefore, for all things to work in our favor, we must repent, ask for forgiveness, return to righteousness, and shun sin always.
But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
“All thing worketh for good” – Two bible stories to inspire you
Two inspiring Bible stories show God blesses those who serve him diligently, despite persecutions. The story of Jesus and the man, Job.
1. The story of Jesus
The story of Jesus Christ is an inspiration to all Christians. He is our savior because he died for our sins. Even in the face of humiliation, he never disobeyed the will of the Father. He stayed firm and was obedient until death.
Just before his persecution and death, he prayed tFatherFather to “take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” As Christians, we must understand this prayer to build our faith in God.
Christ asked God to take away the suffering that was to come. Yet, he knew that the will of God would always be done in our lives. Jesus Christ also knew that God would never allow the suffering of the righteous to be in vain. His plans are not wicked or evil but instead Good.
The prophet Jeremiah said,
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope
Jeremiah 29:11 Amplified Bible (AMP)
Jesus Christ already knew that all suffering begets a reward. He, therefore, accepted God’s will and died for our sins.
The reward of Jesus
Because Christ humbled himself and remained steadfast despite tribulations, he was exalted bFatherfather. The apostle Paul, through revelation by the holy spirit, said:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:5-11 (KJV)
2. The Story Of Job
Another story that shows “all things work together for good” is the story of Job. He was blameless in the sight of God, and God blessed him immensely. Yet, despite this, he was tempted by the devil and lost all things – even the death of his children.
Yet, even in the face of mental and physical torture, he remained resolute in his faith in God. He endured, remained steadfast, and persevered.
In the end, God blessed him. The Bible described his last days as better than his beginning.
The Lord blessed the latter part of Job’s life more than the former part. He had fourteen thousand sheep, six thousand camels, a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand donkeys. Job 42:12 New International Version (NIV)
All things work together for good bible verses (NIV)
There are other passages in the Bible that further explain what Paul was saying – that the suffering of the righteous will not go unrewarded. Christ has promised us salvation and eternal life, that if we remain steadfast in his ways, we will be called into God’s kingdom.
Here are other Bible verses about “all things work together for good.”
1. 1 Peter 5:10 suffering for eternal Glory
And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast
It is impossible to live in this wicked world without facing difficulties and temptations. Even Jesus Christ, who was without sin, was tempted by the devil and killed by the Jews.
Therefore, if we pray to have no temptation, we pray amiss. Instead, we must pray to God for sufficient grace to overcome the devil’s tricks. Then, when we face difficulties, we pray for strength to remain steadfast in his service.
Apostle Peter knew this too. He understood that we must all suffer for the body of Christ. Through our suffering, we will be called into eternal Glory. As God’s people, we must be steadfast and immovable and continue to work for God.
Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain. 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)
2. James 1:12 – we must remain steadfast at all times
Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him
Trails and temptations are the foundation of this sinful world. The devil’s work is to cause suffering and pain. James, an apostle of Jesus Christ, reminds us to remain steadfast.
Christ has promised us “the crown of life,” and we must set our eyes on the prize of eternal salvation. This means we must never look back when tempted but remain steadfast and persevere until the end. If we do this, then we are sure of God’s promise.
3. Romans 5:3-5 – There is hope if we persevere
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance;perseverance, character; and character, hope.
And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us
We need to believe in the hope set for us that trusts in God. This hope is the resurrection and eternal glorification.
In 1 Corinthians 15:19, Apostle Paul said, “If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.” Therefore, at all times, when we are tempted, we must continue to hope for the next life.
Akatakpo Dunn
Dr. Akatakpo Dunn is a dedicated follower of Christ, an active member and speaker, and an ongoing learner of the Scriptures. Passionate about his faith and serving others, he is committed to sharing his spiritual journey and insights to inspire and uplift fellow believers. He has been active in the church for more than 23 years. Through The Faithful Christian Blog, Dr. Dunn combines his love for God, philanthropy, and Scripture, providing a valuable resource for those seeking to grow in their faith. Follow me: on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
