Can we talk about one of the verses that always gets me? Romans 8:28 is a verse that I feel like gets misinterpreted a lot. It’s one of those “coffee cup” verses or encouraging verses. When in reality it does not mean what most people intend for it to mean. Let’s read it together;

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭28‬ ‭NLT‬‬

A couple of things stand out to me in this verse. First, most people use this verse to encourage others to say that everything will be okay. When it really doesn’t say that at all, but it does say that “God causes everything to work together for the good”. That does NOT say that everything will be good, no it says everything will work out for the good. Which essentially means that not everything will be okay, in fact you will face trials and devastations. Life will not be fine. But everything has a reason and purpose and nothing in life is meaningless. It means that even if it seems like life is crashing down all around you, this is meant to be working towards your good, in the end. Maybe not even until after this life is over. This verse does not encourage you by saying it will all be fine, it encourages us saying that even in the midst of the tragedy, God is in control. If you ask me I think that is a way more powerful message than the one that everything will be good. Another verse I’d like to keep in mind when studying this one in Roman’s is James 1:2-8 which reminds us that bad things will happen but they are there for a reason.

“Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.” James‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

You will notice how the second half of the verse talks about not being divided in your loyalty to God and how people like that should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Let’s glance back at Romans 8:28 where it says ‘for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them’. Sounds like the same thing doesn’t it? If you are not living in God’s purpose for you, but are rather pursuing your own interests and desires then when bad things happen to you, sucks for you. No really, the verse legitimately says don’t expect any help from God. Man cannot serve two masters (Matthew 6:24) and this is the consequence of thinking otherwise. God is very black and white and not much gray. If you can’t give Him your all, then clearly you are not desiring to be one of His children and He will treat you thus. 

Life is full of choices, and choosing between God and the world is the biggest and most important choice you could make. And choosing neither, is simply not an option. There is a passage in Revelation of a letter written to the church in Laodicea which I think describes God’s opinion of those who cannot choose between the world and Him.

“I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish that you were one or the other! But since you are like lukewarm water, neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth! You say, ‘I am rich. I have everything I want. I don’t need a thing!’ And you don’t realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked. So I advise you to buy gold from me—gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. Also buy white garments from me so you will not be shamed by your nakedness, and ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see. I correct and discipline everyone I love. So be diligent and turn from your indifference. “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends. Those who are victorious will sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne. “Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches.” Revelation 3:15-22

So, basically if you can’t choose God, then He won’t choose you. So therefore; Romans 8:28 does not apply to you and everything will not work out for your good. Do you understand the weight of this concept? We talk as Christians about God having a plan for our life and free will and all that and this verse is essentially the terms and conditions for that plan and the consequences of free will. That is huge and something that should not be taken lightly. When I figured this out it definitely made me rethink all the decisions I’ve made because I want to be wholeheartedly devoted to God, the world can disappear for all I care, or so I desire. I know there are things I can’t let go of, and I know that causes me to be divided. While some of those things are wholesome and good, they may not be according to His plan, whether that’s timing or direction. They most certainly should never come before my desire for Him. So this verse hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ll be right back, I gotta go re-prioritize my life.