While I have not yet finished looking up the numerous verses that Rob will either reference directly or indirectly, I have enjoyed the study which resulted from those I have looked at so far. Just in the first point of his outline I was impressed once again with the fact that our God is indeed sovereign and that He does know what He is doing. This was true for Joseph when his brothers sold him into slavery seeking to do him harm while God knew the good that He was working. And it was true for His only begotten Son, Jesus the Christ, who was born into the lowest of situations and endured the harshest of deaths so that man might be saved to an eternal relationship with Himself.
In Deuteronomy 29:29 we read that the secret things belong to God and Him alone. What more could we ask though than to know that the one who works everything to His own purpose is truly good and that His good purpose will be accomplished even if we don’t have much of a clue about what is happening.
I encourage you to take good notes and then go home and dig even deeper. These verses are so important in painting not only a better picture of who our God is but also in encouraging us to trust Him even more when difficult situations arise and appreciate Him in greater ways for each piece of His goodness that we see unfold. These verses are also a powerful resource to tuck into your back pocket as you walk beside others who are similarly struggling.
Joe Burgess
Rob suggested a number of questions (following) that you might consider arising from this study. Take a look at them, select one or two, and then jump right in to a fruitful discussion. "It's all good!"
1. How do we know that all things work together for good?
2. How can God work through evil things for our good and His glory?
3. What is the good towards which all things work? Is this an area of misunderstanding?
4. What are some good things God does through our suffering? Any personal examples?
5. How does Romans 8:28 help you overcome fear, worry, and depression?
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