In all things - I totonu o mea uma

Scripture Focus: Roma 8:28-39

We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. For whom he foreknew, he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. Whom he predestined, those he also called. Whom he called, those he also justified. Whom he justified, those he also glorified. What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who didn’t spare his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how would he not also with him freely give us all things? Who could bring a charge against God’s chosen ones? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes rather, who was raised from the dead, who is at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Could oppression, or anguish, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Even as it is written, “For your sake we are killed all day long. We were accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” No, in all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 8:28-39 (WEB)

Study:

Paul’s powerful declaration in Romans 8:28-39 is a cornerstone of Christian hope. He begins with the assurance that God is actively working *all things* – the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult – together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose. This isn’t a passive promise; it’s rooted in God’s eternal plan. He foreknew us, predestined us, called us, justified us, and will ultimately glorify us. This chain of salvation is entirely God’s work. The passage then moves to address the utter security we have in Christ. If God didn’t hold back His own Son, will He not freely give us all things? And who can accuse God’s elect? It is Christ who died and rose again, and now intercedes for us. Nothing – absolutely nothing – can separate us from His love. We are not just survivors, but *more than conquerors* through Him who loved us.

Application:

In our daily lives, we often struggle to see how difficult circumstances can possibly lead to good. We may question God’s plan when facing trials, loss, or injustice. However, Paul’s words remind us that God’s perspective is far greater than our own. He sees the whole picture, and He is working everything towards His good purposes. This doesn't mean life will be easy, but it does mean we can face challenges with confidence, knowing that we are not alone and that God is ultimately in control. His love, demonstrated through Christ’s sacrifice, is an unbreakable bond, offering us strength, comfort, and unwavering hope.

Reflection Questions:

• What specific “all things” in your life are you currently struggling to reconcile with the idea of God working for good?
• How does the assurance of God’s predestination and plan impact your trust in Him during difficult times?
• In what ways can you actively remind yourself of Christ’s intercession on your behalf when facing challenges?
• What does it mean to be “more than conquerors” through Christ? How can you live out that reality in your daily life?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for your unwavering love and your promise that all things work together for good for those who love you. Help me to trust in your plan, even when I cannot understand it. Strengthen my faith in Jesus Christ, knowing that nothing can separate me from your love. Grant me the courage to face challenges with confidence and to live as a more than conqueror through Him. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Tags:Romans 8, Christian Life, God's Love, Hope, Faith, Perseverance, Salvation, Predestination, Security in Christ, Trials, Difficulties, More than Conquerors, God's Plan