The Romans 8:28 Experience

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NKJV)

Residents have many experiences going through their REbuilt recovery program. Some are carrying burdens of regret and shame. Others are facing their struggles and hardships for the first time in their lives. Several are experiencing breakthroughs from a variety of issues. But there is one experience that continues to be my prayer for residents, which I have come to reference as ‘The Romans 8:28 Experience.’ 

A battle familiar to anyone who has gone through recovery or experienced any type of addiction is the concept of denial. There is resistance to or a blind eye towards how bad things have really gotten. Denial allows an individual to view life in a false reality, which, unfortunately, tends to be detrimental to their relationships with others and their self-perception. Denial is typically one of the first hurdles one must address when it comes to overcoming an addiction. The biblical reference to ‘the truth will set you free’ encourages those who are actively in denial, and a process begins, seeing reality as it is. This clarity opens a space for healing, forgiveness, self-evaluation, problem-solving, character building, and gaining important victories over strongholds. As this process continues, new perspectives start to emerge.

‘All things work together for good to those who love God.’ 

With these new perspectives comes a shift in self-reflection, especially in reviewing one’s past. The Romans 8:28 Experience occurs as individuals begin to see the reality of God weaving throughout their story. It is an amazing thing to witness firsthand how one can go from being beaten down by their past to then find healing, which turns their past into a testimony to share. Comments like “I can now see how God was working through that” or “He was always there” are common reflections along this healing journey in their recovery. This verse opens up a space for healing for one’s past, but more importantly, it points us directly to the Gospel; it is a verse of action and purpose.

My continual prayer is for residents to have this experience because of the great power and insight in this simple verse. The focal point can very easily be placed on ‘all things work together for good,’ however, we must not forget the remainder of the sentence. This working together for good is reserved. It is reserved for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. This verse is a promise for Christians, for those who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. This verse introduces the opportunity to reflect on the relationship God offers through salvation, reinforcing God’s character—“a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness” (Psalm 86:15 ESV).

The Romans 8:28 Experience has its greatest impact in how it shapes perspectives and is activated in one’s life. Life has its troubles and trials. These moments can be a real struggle. The promise here for the believer increases trust in the sovereignty of God. He is all-knowing and all-powerful. If there is anyone to place your trust in, it’s God. In addition to building trust, love for God increases, and relying on Him reminds us that He has a purpose for it all. The Romans 8:28 Experience helps to see God’s work in our past and comforts us in the present.

The reason I pray our residents experience this is that it is such a turning point in their recovery journey. When one begins to see God in their life story, trust begins to be built, which is a crucial step in the recovery process. They begin to be more open and acknowledge for themselves, “Maybe God does have a plan for my life?” This openness starts to restore hope. I am always blown away to hear the testimonies of healing residents experience through their REbuilt Program. All glory and praise to God, the one who works all things together for good. He is the one who restores and rebuilds. We thank God for his precious promises.