And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. - Romans 8:28, (NASB)

    When I search the scriptures with my handy bible software for the phrase "all things", two hundred and three (203) results are returned!  The Scriptures have A LOT to say about the “all things.”   The word “all” is a very important word.  Webster’s dictionary defines it as the whole, the entire, the total amount, every part.  And every word is constrained by context through which it is used.  The phrase “all the red balloons” doesn’t mean every balloon, but it means every single red one.  And the phrase, “all the balloons” means every single balloon, including the red ones and the green ones, and every single balloon of every color.  This is an elementary grammar lesson, but people, even adults, often fail to use proper grammar when reading and interpreting the scriptures.

    And so when I read the words “all things” in this passage, I have to understand that it doesn’t mean “some things.”  It doesn’t mean “most things.”  And it doesn’t mean “only the good things.”  No, “all things” means “all things!”  And here are a few things the Lord tells us about His “all things.”

“The LORD hath made all things for himself: yea, even the wicked for the day of evil.” (Proverbs 16:4)  

    Nothing happens in time that was not predestinated by God from before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:11).  And everything is according to His purpose.  God brings about all things, including evil, in time by His providence (Isaiah 45:7; Romans 11:36).   There is no such thing as an accident.  Nothing has been left to chance, an impersonal “fate”, or what the man on the street calls “luck.”  “The LORD has made all things for Himself, even the wicked!”  This tells me that even our salvation in Christ was for God.  And it also tells me that those who are condemned to hell, they too were for God.  All things are of God. (2 Corinthians 5:18).

“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 4:15). 

    Do you believe and rest in the Lord Jesus Christ for all of your salvation?  If so, then you can know that as one of God’s elect, every single thing, past, present, and future, it’s been purposed by God for your sake.  It’s been purposed for your good so that you might enjoy the abundant grace of God which is entirely for His glory.  Nothing that ever happens can ever truly harm you (Proverbs 12:21).  Not even the kryptonite of sin can destroy your soul as our Lord drank down the penalty for it like water and extinguished it for you on the cross.  And He is now even working all things to work together for your eternal good.  It is with this knowledge that Christ's sheep learn to have peace and assurance in Christ.

“Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are your’s” (1 Corinthians 3:21). 

    Everything is yours according to His purpose.  Christ owns all things and He has given them to you.  Use them as needed for your comfort and pleasure remembering that as heirs to Christ’s kingdom these things are yours to enjoy.  Be thankful in all events and circumstances.  Seek the Lord’s glory in every decision you make.  And remember that all the events of your life, and even your sicknesses and your eventual bodily death, these things are designed to mold you and make you like Christ because you are in Him.  You are His and He is God's. (1 Corinthians 3:23).  And He is God’s Beloved, through which you are accepted to the praise and glory of His grace. (Ephesians 1:6)