Is Romans 8:28 Still in the Bible?

The Gift of Perspective

Life is not problem-free. As one of my friends says, “You’re either in a crisis, coming out of a crisis, or about to go into a crisis.” The key to maintaining your balance is perspective. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to ask the right question.

Years ago, I went to Sam Moore’s office for my weekly one-on-one meeting. He was the CEO of Thomas Nelson at the time and my boss. As I entered the executive suite, I felt my stomach tighten. I had bad news to report, and I was concerned how he might react.

As I entered his office, he greeted me in his usual, upbeat manner. “Michael Hyatt, good to see you, my man. Have a seat.” I tried to smile, hoping his mood would rub off on me. It didn’t.

I didn’t beat around the bush. “Sam, I’m afraid I have some bad news to report.” I then reported how my division had missed its budget for the previous month. This had not happened in well over a year. I was disappointed and, frankly, embarrassed.

I was also fearful. I was afraid how he might respond. Though I knew intellectually, I wouldn't get fired over one bad month, emotionally I felt that I was in danger. (Funny how the brain works this way.)

He listened carefully. He then leaned back in his chair, paused, and asked, “Mike, is Romans 8:28 still in the Bible?”

This is a verse many people know by heart, perhaps second only to John 3:16. It says,

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.”

Puzzled, I replied, “Yes, sir, it is.”

“That’s what I thought,” he chuckled. “Look, Mike. From time to time, bad things are going to happen. That’s just life. You have to maintain your perspective. God is still in charge. It will turn out okay.”

He was right. It took a while longer than I had hoped, but it worked out.

Max Lucado reminds us, “It all works out in the end. If it hasn’t worked out yet, then it’s not the end.”