God Works for the Good of Those Who Love Him

 

Paul gives us one of the greatest promises in the Bible, 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.”

We see this promise working in Welby O’Brien as she dealt with the overwhelming circumstances of loss, confusion, and suffering in her own life. The death of her father. A minister husband, who leaves their marriage for another woman. A new marriage to a husband with PTSD from Vietnam.

Many times, I have misinterpreted this verse, thinking God’s going to improve my situation and when it doesn’t happen, I wonder if I’ve blown it with him. Over time, I’ve learned this verse is not a promise of providing better circumstances during difficult times, rather, “the good” it speaks of encompasses our whole life; spiritual and material. When “God works for the good,” he works towards the goal of goodness in his purpose. Suffering can produce a character change in us that more resembles our Lord. This is good for the world, glorifies God, and it brings maturity and greater satisfaction to our own lives.

Welby has been through many situations and you can hear “the good” God has done, through her testimony and her gift of counseling as she writes books, conducts seminars, and interacts with small groups. She aids others in healing from the loss of a loved one, divorce, and PTSD and gets them in touch with The One that can turn it into a positive new life.

I hope you will find her resources as helpful as they have been to so many. A great opportunity to experience the good God can do in the lives of us who love and trust in him.  

 
Bruce Davis