M-G: 4.27.11 // 10/90, Romans 8:28, ESV

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"Words can never adequately convey the incredible impact of our attitude toward life. The longer I live the more convinced I become that life is 10 percent what happens to us and 90 percent how we respond to it." – Chuck Swindoll

“And we know” refers to common knowledge among believers. God is on His throne working out all things in our lives for a higher purpose. This is not some strange and unfamiliar knowledge about God. No one should be surprised or caught off guard when bad things happen to us (the Bible is replete with bad things happening to God’s people). The truth of this is brought to light in the oldest book in the Bible, Job. None of us complain about the good things God allows in our lives, but hear from a wise man about the bad, 

“Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity. In all this Job did not sin with his lips” (Job 2:10b-c, NKJV).

Quickly how our attitudes turn on a dime when bad things happen to us personally – Why did God allow this? What purpose did this serve? Where's the love of God in this? It all seems so senseless! ” The truth of Romans 8:28 is questioned rather than believed. It takes an infinitely all powerful God to make this passage a reality in the life of all those who love God who is working all things together for our good according to His plan which means He has the ultimate power to prevent or to permit what invades our lives.

The phrase “those who love Him” refers to only those who have experienced regeneration; they are the called – summoned and saved (Rom 1:6; 8:30). This love for God is the result of the indwelling of the Holy Spirit within the heart of every believer (Rom 5:5).

Every circumstance whether good or bad, without exception, that enters our life is by Divine design to conform us to the image of His Son (Rom 8:29). Satan cannot thwart, circumvent, surprise, or overtake the Almighty with his evil agenda of doing just the opposite to cause us to be anything but Christ-like in our negative situations. Paul didn’t say all things were good, but all things are working together for our good. Our ultimate good is to become like Christ “who is the express image of His person” (that is, the Father, Heb 1:3, NKJV).

Though God is in charge; He has given us the freedom of choice in how we respond to the circumstances of life. The Almighty certainly has the ability to bully our decision but then our response would be forced and not of faith.

Job never got his why-questions answered concerning his devastating circumstances, but after hearing and seeing God he realized his own inadequacies and worshiped Yahweh. This is the power of trust, the power of choice, faith revealed. Whether things be good or bad, we need to run to the cross for it was there God demonstrated His love for us. And we need to remember that the Holy Spirit resides in the regenerate heart; God is in us, with us, and for us in every circumstance that enters our lives, good or bad, for the good. 

Romans 8:28 is what happens in life to all believers. To be clear this verse covers 100% of our lives because nothing enters our lives unless the LORD gives permission or orchestrates it. If we apply Swindoll’s 10/90 observation then what happens in life is 10% of Romans 8:28 and 90% of our response to that sovereign truth that permeates every aspect of our lives. Recognizing, acknowledging, and submitting to the LORD’s right to rule in our lives is the right attitude and response to everything that enters our lives. Romans 8:28 is a 10/90 thing. <><