Theme: Thank God, Because He Does Nothing For Nothing.

Text: Genesis 50: 15-22; Romans 8:28

A follower of Christ should believe that God is in control of everything that happens in their lives – both good and bad. Beyond the good experiences of the believers, the Apostle Paul describes in Romans 8:35 the difficult realities that believer may encounter: troubles, hardships, persecutions, famines, nakedness, dangers, sword. Yet, in the midst of all these challenges we are given a powerful promise in Romans 8:28 “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” 

• Those Who Love God

These are the people who choose to obey God and trust Him in all things. They do not fight God’s plan for their lives but understand that in all seasons, whether good and bad, God is in control. In other word loving God is expressed by obedience to Him and trust in Him.

• Those Called According to God’s Purpose

These are the people who willingly submit to God, understanding that His purpose to their lives is to conform and transform them to the likeness of His Son. Only such people truly understand that God is working all things according to His divine purpose and for their ultimate good.

Illustrations

1. Acts 16:16-31: Paul and Silas on their way to the place of prayer, delivered a slave girl from a spirit that troubled them (v16-18). This caused them to be stripped, beaten and thrown in prison (v19-24). However, God’s good purpose in all this suffering was revealed when the jailer and his entire household were saved (v30-31).
2. Genesis 50: 15-22: Joseph was hated by his brothers, thrown into an empty pit, and sold into slavery. Yet he later said to them: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (v. 20). God uses time to teach us that He is always working things for the good of His people and in accordance with His own purpose. 
3. The disciples of Jesus witnessed their Master being betrayed by one of them, falsely accused, spat upon, beaten, crucified, and buried. At the time, they could not understand that all these events were for the good of God’s people and were part of God’s purpose to bring salvation to His creation. 

Conclusion

“In all things God works for the good of those who love Him and who have been called according to His purpose”. Romans 8:28