There are many verses in the Bible that are misused or misunderstood. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of them. The prosperity teaching and Word of Faith movement misuses a number of Scriptures to justify their heresy that God wants all people healthy and wealthy (Please don’t get me started on that!). There is one verse that is often misused, misquoted, and misapplied and I’m almost afraid to say it because so many “hang their hat” on it.
Romans 8:28-“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” (ESV) That verse, unfortunately, has lost its oomph in many cases because it is so misinterpreted. I’d like to point out a couple of thoughts on that verse.
1. That verse does not promise us that all things are good. Frankly, and I hope I’m not too strong here, not all things that happen are good. I wouldn’t wish cancer, or dementia, or paralysis on anyone. While it is true that Joni, for example, has come to accept her 50+ years in her chair and has used it to minister to others, I don’t believe she would say, “This is good and I hope you experience it.” The same for cancer or any other sickness.
2. God can use what has happened to mold us into the person He wants us to be. The key thought in this is found in the words “work together” which could also be translated “working together.” The process is not a one-and-done deal. God is continually molding us by His work in our lives.
3. Now for the coup de grace: I think we do a great disservice by leaving out verse 29 and the phrase “to be conformed to the image of His Son.” I see verse 28 and the powerful truth of it finding its linchpin, its purpose, in that short phrase of verse 29. All that is happening to me-good and bad-is designed to make me more like Jesus. God’s purpose is to conform me to the image of His Son. No trial is wasted. No work in my life is wasted. It has a goal! God is working all things-not the just the good and not just the bad-all things together.
Enjoy the truth of verse 28. It is real. But always combine it with verse 29. “I want to be like Jesus” should be our daily song.
Very well said, Bill. I especially found your thoughts on “working” (not one and done) insightful. It is a process God takes us through.
Thanks Pam. I am afraid people get discouraged because they don’t see immediate results and changes.
These verses always encourage me during trials, my own or in those of my loved ones, because I remember that God can – and does – use anything to shape and mold us into the image of Christ. This motivates me to keep pushing through tough stuff and to press in closer to Christ and to encourage others to do the same. As I press in and let him mold and shape me, I know my life is not wasted in any way but instead is used in my journey of progress toward perfection. That encourages me!
That is an insightful and helpful way to see it Kari. Sort of like your last post about not wasting a life. https://www.struggletovictory.com/make-the-most-of-every-opportunity/
There are situations and circumstances in life that are simply not good… I think it is fair to say that they may be down right bad.
But God has always been able to take what the Enemy has meant for evil and use it for His greater purpose… and that is good.
You are correct on both statements Ryan. And I believe Joseph would give you a big, hearty AMEN on your last one.
Bible verses are often misquoted, and taken out of context.Its important to know where it is in the Bible, what the story is and how to apply that to your life. In the end the ultimate goal is to be conformed to be like Jesus. The more you meditate on God’s words, and the more time you spend with God, the better you will become at seeing things from God’s point of view.
Very true Gail. you have heard me say, “A text without a context is a pretext.” Properly seeing the verse as it is in context will help stop the misqoting and misapplication.
Yes, Lord, make me more like Jesus, no matter what. Great thoughts here, Bill!
Blessings!
Thanks martha. Daily prayer to be honest.
You got that right! Not everything we experience is good. Some of it is very negative. Prosperity teachings tell us that it’s good for us. Yet prosperity is often fleeting, but in fleeting it’s good because it helps us to learn not to cast our hope on things that are not necessary.
Very true Ed. Prosperity teaching is heresy, or the least, false teaching. And it is fleeting, which means we should not seek it or crave it.
I totally agree, Pastor Bill. You don’t want to get me started on it either! Lol! The prosperity movement has done enormous damage to the cause of Christ. Thank you for always speaking the truth here.
I wish all the gullible people would see the sheer ungodliness of this movement. The hucksters have gotten rich off the backs of the those who have given in to their lies.