Rom.8:28 -- What does it say?

[Jacob]

Some people think it says only good things happen to us Christians.
Some others think that whatever happens to us is good because it comes
from God. Both are NOT right! Many bad things also happen to us, and
it is not God who makes everything to happen to us.

What do we mean when we say, "God is in control"? Is it correct to
think that God plans and executes every single thing that happens to
us. If it were so we could ask Him, e.g., "Why did You do 9/11?" But
God doesn't do everything that happens. We are living in a sin
corrupted world. Evil people do many evil things, and Satan and his
demons also are at work, directly and through people. Our gadgets go
wrong just as they do for others. We do many foolish things for which
we suffer consequences. This is because God has created people with a
freedom of choice. God told Adam and Eve what to do, but He also gave
the right to do what they chose. Then where is God in control? He can
and does whatever He wants (Ps.115:3). He also puts limits on what can
happen to us (Ge.3:22,23;1Co.10:13). Satan could not do to Job more
than what God permitted him (Job.1:12;2:6).

What God does say is that whatever happens to us--irrespective of what
it is and where it comes from--He will make that to work for our
good.

"And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to
those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.
NASB"
"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love
God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. KJV"
"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. NIV"
"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. NLT"
"That's why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love
for God is worked into something good. The Message"
This goes beyond what Joseph said, "As for you, you meant evil against
me, but God meant it for good" (Ge.50:20). God causes everything that
happens to us to do something good to us. This depends on us too. We
can miss them if we react to things in a bad way, or we are not
looking for the good God wants to give us through our experiences.
What God essentially wants to do for us is to make us more like Jesus
(Ro.8:29). That is why Ro.8:28 is valid only to those who love God and
are called according to His purpose.

When Joseph was taken into slavery wrongly he sought for freedom (Ge.
40:14,15). So did Paul (Acts.25:11). They did not thank God for their
misfortune and remain there! Learning to give thanks in everything is
fine, but don't we also need to overcome every hindrance and fulfil
God's plan? Paul sang praises to God even in prison because God was in
control, but he made his defence whenever he had opportunity.

Let us want most what God wants to give us, and let us cooperate with
Him as He works in and around us.