The name Abe Anglin probably means nothing to you, but from the fourth grade on I knew he just had to be my sixth-grade teacher. He wasn’t much over 6 feet tall, but to me he was a peculiar, giant of a man because he had a bald head with a large scar on the side due to brain surgery. Little did I know that I would not only be a student in his class, but I would also learn lessons from this man that still shape who I am today. In the providence of God, our families quickly became friends during my last year of elementary school. As a result, “Mr. A” as we called him, soon invited me to a church function where he would share his testimony.
As I listened to the story of how his brain tumor was successfully removed, he boasted only in the faithfulness of the Lord and the grace he received. I still remember how I felt when he began sharing his favorite verse of Scripture. “And we know,” he said, “that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose (Rom. 8:28).”
Special words
Instantly, I knew those words were special, and I soon decided that this would be my favorite verse too. What I did not realize, though, was just how important those words would be to me a few short months later.
Weeks before Christmas, while I was a student in his class, Mr. Anglin’s tumor came back. Before his second surgery, we sat outside my classroom on the floor after school. “Adam, I’m not afraid to die,” Abe said slowly. I shook my head, not immediately sensing the gravity of the moment. “Let me say it again. I will probably die from this tumor, but I want you to know I am not afraid.” His words overwhelmed me. I believed the gospel, but I had never met anyone with such bold faith. “If you will live for Christ,” he added, “you won’t fear that day either.” The conversation is still so vivid to me.
By the time I reached the eighth grade, Mr. Anglin was still battling cancer. After having his tumor removed a third time, it became apparent that he would indeed die. At the tender age of 26, he was gone far too soon. Yet, no matter how unbearable his malady became, the words of Romans 8:28 always gave this remarkable man hope no matter how grim things appeared.
I didn’t fully understand it then, and frankly, I’m not sure I grasp it now. I am certain, though, that this powerful verse of Scripture is a steady anchor when trials beat against the shore of our lives. Even death cannot unravel the hope found within these profound words.
Always working
If I may state the promise succinctly, God is always working for your good, even when you can’t see it.
In every circumstance, in every struggle, in every heartache life throws your way, there is nowhere you can go and nothing that can happen to you when God is not actively working to bring about good. It may not always be obvious to you, especially during tumultuous seasons of misfortune, but the Bible teaches that God is out before you, guiding the steps and rhythms of your life.
“And we know . . .” conveys a sense of confidence and assurance.
Though our world is constantly changing, these words represent an unchanging promise from our eternal Lord. “God causes all things . . .” communicates the comprehensive scope of our Savior’s commitment to His people.
God is actively weaving the incidental and monumental events of our lives together for His particular purposes. Not some things or most things, but ALL things. God uses every moment of your life to work toward His ultimate good for you.
Every enjoyable and wholesome circumstance you savor fits perfectly into God’s creative intentions for your life. He uses all the moments that give us overflowing gratitude far beyond the immediate satisfaction we can see and celebrate.
In addition, the word ALL includes the less desirable realities of life as well. Bad things, tragic things, depressing things, shocking things, and even evil things have a sense of design because of God’s redemptive purpose for His children. NOTHING comes across the pages of your life that God doesn’t utilize for His greater plan. EVERYTHING in your life leads to good when you know Jesus.
I would be remiss, however, without acknowledging that this wonderful promise is conditional. God limits His reassurance “ . . . to those who love God, to those who are called.” When the Bible says WE know, it is referring to those who know and love God; or those who are born again. This promise, as most others, applies only to those who belong to Jesus.
By turning to Christ in repentance and faith, we can live with the assurance that our Heavenly Father is actively working for our good.
And why is the Lord so faithful to His own?
The next verse explains that God’s ultimate goal is to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom. 8:29). Our happiness and comfort are secondary to this primary agenda. The silver lining behind every burden is not that our circumstances will change, but that our character and commitment will transform instead.
EDITOR’S NOTE — This article was written by Adam B. Dooley, pastor of Englewood Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.
Share with others: