It's All Good (Part 4)

<p>I once saw a bowling team that called themselves, "It’s All Good." Wouldn’t it be awesome if the saying "it’s all good" were true? Sadly, troubles abound on earth. But even as we acknowledge these troubles, let’s also explore a promise that offers real hope for truly good endings.</p><p>.</p><p>In Romans 8:28, Paul plainly states that “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God.” And, because Paul’s readers were suffering persecution, he also poses the hard question: “Does it mean he [God] no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity...?” (verse 35). Earnestly, Paul replies, “No, despite all these things [i.e., pain and persecution], overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us” (verse 37).</p><p>.</p><p>I wonder if what God calls “good” in Romans 8:28 doesn’t always match our idea of good? My idea of good might mean all my problems are gone immediately. But what does God mean by good? Romans 8:29 provides a clue. It hinges on the phrase “become like his Son.”</p><p>.</p><p>The whole of Scripture teaches that becoming like Jesus will involve suffering. (Now, more suffering doesn’t always equal more Christlikeness—Christlikeness comes from the Holy Spirit’s work in us through the Word, not our circumstances.) But following Christ also means experiencing the good that God promises. Far more than fixing a temporary pain or problem, this good includes a glorious hijacking of evil. Today’s key verse expresses this perfectly: in Genesis 50:20, Joseph says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it... for good.”</p><p>.</p><p>Peter expresses this idea too, expounding on the most profound reversal of evil ever: “[God’s] prearranged plan was carried out when Jesus was betrayed... you nailed him to a cross and killed him. But God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its grip” (Acts 2:23-24). In Christ’s resurrection, the most tragic ending is transformed into the best of new beginnings. Because Jesus rose