Read
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good for those who are called according to his purpose.
Romans 8:28
Reflect
An old story often told along the coast of Newfoundland tells of a winter morning when a fleet of fishing vessels set sail, only to encounter a violent storm. As the townspeople waited for news about their loved ones, night fell without a single boat returning home.
Throughout the night, families waited anxiously. Some prayed that God would guide the fishermen safely back to shore. But during those dark hours, one fisherman’s home suddenly caught fire.
Because nearly every man in town was out at sea, it was left to the women to battle the flames. Despite their efforts, the fire consumed the home and everything inside.
At daybreak, one by one, the boats began returning safely to shore. Relief swept through the town—except for the wife whose home had been destroyed. She met her husband with tears and told him what had happened.
Instead of despair, he embraced her and said words she never expected:
“Thank God for that fire. Last night everything was pitch dark except for the light from our burning home. That light guided us safely back.”
Romans 8:28 does not say that all things are good. In this story, the storm was not good. The fear of the families was not good. The loss of a home was certainly not good.
But God used even those painful events together for a good outcome.
That truth can be difficult to trust when life brings loss, confusion, disappointment, or pain. Sometimes we may not immediately see how God is working, and sometimes we may never fully understand His purposes this side of heaven. Yet Romans reminds us that nothing surrendered to Him is wasted.
Even in the trials we do not understand, God is still at work—often in ways hidden from us at first.
This week, focus on deepening your relationship with the Lord. Pray that He will keep your heart aligned with His purposes. And when trials come, ask Him for the faith not only to endure them, but to trust that He is still working, even when you cannot yet see the full picture.
Reflection copyright © 2026 Doug DeBolt.
Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
