Today’s article appeared in the October 2020 issue of The Gospel News in the General Ladies Uplift Circle column.

“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Many people look to this verse for comfort and dwell on its promise.

I love this verse! It means that I’ll get good grades, find the perfect mate, be able to buy my dream home and car, have healthy children when I want, and everything will always work out according to my perfect plan. Hmmmm.

Wait a sec!

We were in the middle of building our dream home when my husband lost his job that he held for over 30 years. I’ve seen good people suffer. Is this verse a lie?!? Is it MY perfect plan that matters? Or God’s??

Maybe I should examine the verse a little more carefully. The phrase “all things” is used. Can that mean ALL things, negative as well as positive?

In Ether 12:6, Moroni tells us, “ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” A trial of faith would be an experience that tests faith. Moroni elaborates on his words by showing examples of men whose faith was tried. Alma and Amulek had to be cast into prison so that God could free them by causing the walls to tumble to earth. Moses, Lehi, Nephi, Abraham, the brother of Jared (to name a few) all had to exercise their faith through trials before God blessed them.

1 Peter 1:7 tells us, “That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”

So this verse is saying that our trials are of value, even great value, greater than gold! Maybe job loss, illness, any troubles we experience can work to bring us closer to God, to strengthen us spiritually, and maybe even be of a benefit to others.

Further in Ether 12 we read, “I would show unto the world that faith is things which are hoped for and not seen; wherefore, dispute not because ye see not, for ye receive no witness until after the trial of your faith.” So through the tests and trials of life we receive witness of God’s glory.

And then all things (All things!) work together for good to them that love God. . .”

“It may be pain in the night
But joy comes in the morning
And when the oceans rage
I don’t have to be afraid
Because I know that You love me
Love never fails
You make all things work together for my good
You make all things work together for my good
You make all things work together for my good…”
– Your Love Never Fails by Jesus Culture

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.