What is good?

One of the most misquoted passages in Scripture is Romans 8:28 "in which Paul describes, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him." Many believers think this verse says that although we may not know why bad things happen, when all the pieces of the puzzle eventually come together, we will understand the greater purpose of it all. 

 For example, young man had an accident and broke his leg, but in the hospital he met a pretty nurse who became his wife later. Or you are able to put down payment on a house with insurance money, and everything has worked out "for the good." This is not what Paul actually means. 

 The "GOOD" that Paul is talking about is that all of our circumstances give us the opportunity to develop Christ-like character. Ultimately, it is our conformity to Christ that will be good. Good circumstances are not necessarily an indicator of strong faith. When you look at the men and women of faith listed in Hebrew 11, many of them suffered, were persecuted, imprisoned, or killed, but the writer says that they were "all commended for their faith" (v 39). 

 When Paul faces unanswered prayer in 2 Corinthians 12:8, he receives far better things instead- humility, character, compassion, and deeper intimacy with God. We do not know why God says yes to some prayers and no to others, but we can trust that God does all things according to His divine purposes.