If you are like we were, we desperately needed friends to hold us, weep with us, allow us to verbalize our pain and questions with no expectation of a good answer. The Bible calls this lament, and there is a place for that. In the midst of the valleys, we often need the Psalms. Romans 8:28 is a clear reminder of the goodness and sovereignty of God. It is a necessary strong tower, farther downstream from the loss and brokenness. And we all experience loss and brokenness.

It was 38 years ago, the summer of 1982, when everything changed. I will always remember the day when our expectations about life began to crumble as we were plunged, quite unwillingly and unexpectedly, into the world of brokenness and disability.

Our 3-month old daughter, Jessica, was diagnosed with profound disabilities. It was as though the earth gave way and we were in a free fall. After all, we were serving God in “full-time ministry” with Young Life. Why would this happen to us? During those days, and many times since, we had to ask ourselves, Is Romans 8:28 true? Does God really work all things for good for those who love him and are called according to his purpose?

Often Quoted, Rarely Believed?

With time and perspective, through the years, I have often told people that Romans 8:28 is one of the most frequently quoted, yet possibly the least believed, verses in all the Bible. It shouldn’t be quoted less, but more whole-heartedly believed.

When people enter the shadows of the valley, be like Job’s friends and simply sit with them (as they did the first week). Sit with them, weep, be silent. We remember people’s presence, not necessarily what they said — unless they began quoting trite answers to our deep wounds.

If you are like we were, we desperately needed friends to hold us, weep with us, allow us to verbalize our pain and questions with no expectation of a good answer. The Bible calls this lament, and there is a place for that. In the midst of the valleys, we often need the Psalms. Romans 8:28 is a clear reminder of the goodness and sovereignty of God. It is a necessary strong tower, farther downstream from the loss and brokenness. And we all experience loss and brokenness.

All Things Are Not Good

Let’s be honest: All things are not good. Heartbreak, loss, disabling conditions, crime, tornados, death — these are all ultimately products of the Fall and sin. The whole creation groans (Romans 8:22). But our God is a Sovereign who takes our sin and our brokenness and turns it, in his providential wisdom and timing, into his blessings for his people. But let’s also be clear: Sometimes bad things happen, and it just gets worse. For those who are outside of God’s redemptive promises, bad things can happen and despair leads to hopelessness.

But biblical hope is another reality altogether. The letter to the Hebrews calls hope an anchor for the soul. And when the storms of life threaten to break up the ship, you need an anchor that holds. The promise of redemption — body and soul. When all things are not good in this life, we know that in Christ all things will be perfect in the next.

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