When bad things happen, people often say, "Everything happens for a reason." You've heard that before, right? By this we usually comfort ourselves and others that things are going to work out. We might be in trouble now but things will be fine in the end. Sometimes we hear that "the universe" (whatever that is!) has something better in mind for us. Well, I'm here to tell you that’s true...sort of. Today, let's consider a familiar verse and then the following, less-familiar verse:

We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. (Roman's 8:28-29)

The first verse in our passage is a very familiar one: "We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." That's pretty good news, right? It seems to support the idea that all things will ultimately work out for us in the end. But how do we define good? Is it comfort or health or wealth or happiness? Let’s consider God’s answer as we consider the following less-familiar verse: "For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters." Wow! God has predestined you and me to be conformed to the image of His Son. God’s idea of something good doesn't necessarily mean that you and I will be able to avoid trouble, be comfortable, or wealthy. Instead, we may find ourselves in trouble in order that God, in the midst of our trouble, might conform us to the image of His Son. Good, the way our Heavenly Father considers it, is for you and me to become more like Jesus. If you’re wrestling with a problem today, pray with the knowledge that all things are working together for your good. You are becoming more like Jesus...and that is very Good News!