There are many circumstances and challenges in our lives that we don’t understand. From our perspective and from our pain, they simply do not make sense. Death comes suddenly and unexpectedly. Illness invades a healthy body, and we watch it waste away. An accident results in chronic pain. A few years ago, I read about a commuter plane crashing into a New York neighborhood, killing all on board and one person on the ground. One victim had lost her husband in the 9/11 attacks, was very influential in the 9/11 Commission, and was on her way to present an award in honor of her husband. From our earthly vantage point, we can’t fathom why tragedies occur. But—and sometimes this is hard to hear—God is working all things for good. Let’s think about that truth.

Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

The all-knowing, all-loving, all-powerful, all-present, eternal God is at work in the lives of those who love him. He takes each heartbreak, loss, illness, relationship break-up, transfer, job loss—every unexpected tragedy and disappointment—and works them together in his eternal purpose. We may never know how he used our circumstances. In fact, most of the time, we will not see the purpose, but we can trust him.

So, that’s the decision you must settle: Can you trust God even when you have questions? Can you believe that somehow God will use this deep pain for his purposes? Can you keep believing that God is good and at work even when it feels like he has left you on your own? Can you believe Romans 8:28?

The answer is, “Yes!” God’s truth is the foundational bedrock for our lives and eternity.

Father, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. In Jesus’ name. Amen.