We start by thanking the reader who sent in this beautiful promise of God. I believe they are not alone in this frustration of a seemingly failing promise. Believers are bewildered that not all things work together for their own good. Is the God who made that promise a liar? God forbid, says the Bible in Romans 3.4. “Indeed, let God be true but every man a liar.” So, where could the problem be that we fail to find that all things work together for our good?
Since the word of God is accurate, and God never lies, the problem must be with us. That is a hard pill to swallow, so we shall break it into two segments. That strategy does not guarantee it will go down easier, but it shall at least be clear. Before the analysis, let us consider the verse from which we take that promise.
Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God. To those who are the called according to His purpose.” It represents an interesting twist on the promise of God that we spent several weeks examining. In that case, the trigger came before the promise. Although the trigger to successful decreeing was several verses long, it started with ”if.” On the other hand, this promise contains a different category of triggers.
All Things Work Together For Good To Those
Anytime you see the word “those” or “them” in scripture, it means the promise is not for everyone. “Those” or “them” is the trigger and usually comes after the promise in a brief statement. It is as if God believes the connection should be obvious. So, who are those for whom all things work together for good? Once you get the correct answer to that question, your days of frustration with God and His promises are over.
It is all about the triggers. Do you qualify to experience the promise that all things work together for good? We refer to this as a trigger in this series for a reason. A gun would be a mere ornament until somebody pulls the trigger. Then it goes to work. In the same way, unless we identify and activate the trigger, God’s promises could be mere decorations in our Bibles. And, of course, that will lead to defeat. We might even become angry with God for not fulfilling His promises. 
But the fault is not in God but in us. Why is it that most of us claim that promise without the triggers? In my view – and I admit I might be too critical – we have lying pastors. Joyce Meyer once said God had to correct her because she was praying “to the gallery.” In other words, she was praying for the benefit of her congregation, to her human listeners. She was not praying to God, and she was not the first one. The publican in Luke 18.11 prayed with himself, not to God.
Lazy Members Do Not Look for Triggers
Many pastors enjoy lifting people’s hopes by leaving out the triggers. They lead them to pray that all things work together. In that high emotional state, Christians tend to give more. Their leaders deceptively fail to mention the trigger. Lying pastors represent one segment of the problem. We now come to the second segment as we examine why not all things work together for our good.
Most believers are lazy, and that includes some pastors. I recall when the “Left Behind” series first came out. I was enthused and shared with everyone who would listen. My pastor then did not share my excitement, wondering if there was not a video he could watch. It would not surprise me that this is the same attitude we bring to the Bible. “Oh yes, the word of God is exciting, and I am glad you find it so. But is there a video from which I could get the same message?”
The answer is yes, there is a video, a human, often deceitful video – your pastor. Do not expect that all things work together for your good when you only watch the (albeit live) video. All who work in capturing images know that you bend the truth in a movie and touch up still photos. They do that to make it appealing, taking liberties here and there.
All Things Work Together By These Triggers
The Berean Christians watched their human videos but returned home to verify whether the video lied. They checked by referring to the Bible. It would not surprise me that the Bereans represent people for whom all things work together for good. If videos and social media represent the full extent of your truth, do not be surprised at your outcome. You should not expect all things to work together for your good.
We now take a moment to examine the triggers themselves. First, you must love God. All believers will claim to qualify on that score. So, God added a second sifting trigger. If you want a situation where all things work together for your good, you must be “the called.” This term refers to those who align with God’s plan and purpose. Have you accepted Jesus Christ? Are you following Him closely and agreeing with God’s plan for creating you? Do you listen for His words before you take any major step?
Then, you are “the called.” You can expect all things to work together for your good. On the other hand, if you argue with God and want your way, do not expect all things to work together for your good. I believe God is bringing us this series so that we can start enjoying Him instead of being frustrated.
Maranatha!
