Read Romans 8:28
Paul says, “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.” This is a verse that gets quoted often, particularly by Christians to those who are going through difficulty. Is Paul saying that everything that happens is good, even if it is bad? Is Paul saying that good will eventually come from everything? What is your experience with this concept set forth by Paul?
Much of the Christian journey is not the avoidance of pain and suffering, but a faith anchored in the character of God through good times and bad. Read Romans 9:1-33 and reflect on the characteristics of God shared by Paul: God is faithful, God is just, and God is full of grace. Have you experienced these characteristics of God? In what way? What is Paul trying to tell us about the relationship between our faith in God’s character and the experiences, both good and bad, we live through?