I'm thinking again...about "all things"...

I have quoted this verse to my children, my family members, my friends, and anyone I know who struggles with heartache, unexplainable tragedy, pain, loss, and the like:
"For we know all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to him purpose."  Because I do believe that. (In fact, I wrote one entire post about it awhile back)

BUT

This verse is talking about the people who "love God and are the called according to His purpose". But how about the people who don't?

This may not be a revelation to most people, but to me it was. Here was my thought process:

So, if God is only working things out for those who love Him, then only those who love Him can expect things to be for their good, right? But what about the others? Does that mean that God isn't working out things for them?...Can they have this same confidence that we, as believers, do?

And here was my conclusion:

From the beginning of our lives, God starts drawing us to himself. People get in our way, things get in our way, experiences get in our way, but still....He is drawing us to himself. The working out of things for people who have not received the love of the Savior is this: He is working throughout your lives in so many ways, to draw you to Him. Some people turn to God in good times; some turn to him in times when there is nowhere else to go. But this I know-He is there when you turn to him.

So...yes, all things work together for our good before we know the Lord because everything in our lives is used of God to draw us to Him. Pain, heartache, loss, even joy and peace. . .all are part of God giving us a chance to turn to Him, whether in sorrow, desperation, exhaustion, or thanksgiving.  Then as we walk in His grace, he continues to work our lives out for our good, no matter how it may seem to us, even when we don't truly believe it. . .it is still Truth! And that's all we can count on, that God's Word and Promises are True!

Many times, I have used the Romans 8:28 verse to comfort people in tough times...realizing that many of these heartbroken people hadn't ever thought about God's give of love and grace. And I've wondered "Am I being honest? Cause this verse clearly says to those who love God?" But  God has been working since the beginning of each and every persons life to draw them into His arms...so....it is truth for all of us. When He works for good...He knows the ultimate "good" is His love for us.

So, if you, my friends, have taken time to read this little post, I say to you:
Yes, He is working for your good...during all the tumultuous times in your lives. He is trying to show you that in all things, He is there and longs for You to draw close to Him. Whether you ever have before or whether you have been turning to Him for years, it doesn't matter. He loves you and longs for you to experience His love and grace...and THAT is what is truly for your "good".