All things together
Paul does not say that everything that happens is good. He says that God works within every circumstance, even painful ones, to bring about good for His people.
You may not see the good yet. Often it becomes visible only when we look back. Ask God to help you hold this promise loosely enough to trust Him, and firmly enough to keep going.
Father, some things in my life are hard to understand. I trust that You are working even in what I cannot see. Keep my heart close to You, and help me believe Your good purposes today. Amen.
συνεργεῖ (synergei (soon-er-GEI)). “Work together.” The verb gives us the English word “synergy.” God does not leave the good to chance; He actively works all things together toward His purpose.
Romans 8 is one of the great chapters on life in the Spirit. Paul moves from suffering to glory, showing that God's love holds believers through every hardship until the end.
Hans Egede, a Norwegian-Danish Lutheran pastor, arrived in Greenland to bring the gospel to the Inuit people. He learned their language and served there for many years, often in very hard conditions.