When All Things Cooperate

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

This verse is among the most quoted in all of Scripture and among the most misunderstood. People use it as a blanket promise that everything will turn out fine, no matter what. But Paul connects it directly to verse 27 with the word “and.” That means verse 28 is not a standalone scripture. It is the conclusion of a thought that begins with the Holy Spirit making intercession according to the will of God. The “all things working together” flows from praying in the Holy Spirit.

Look at who the promise actually belongs to. It’s not for everyone across the board, but for those who love God and are called according to His purpose. And the word “purpose” here means “intention,” referring to God's intention. So what Paul was describing is a life that has been brought into alignment with what God actually intends. God makes the circumstances, the setbacks, the delays, and even the opposition bend toward the good of the person who is walking in His will because that person has spent time praying in the Spirit for the perfect will of God.

When you spend prolonged time praying in the Holy Spirit, you don’t just get an answer. You get alignment. That is when all things begin to cooperate. God makes things cooperate for that person because that person is cooperating with Him.

The fog lifts through prayer in the Spirit. Alignment comes through surrender to His purpose. And when alignment is in place, all things work.

Practical Application

Ask yourself honestly today whether you are walking in the will and purpose of God for your life or still navigating by your own best thinking. If it is the latter, return to spending extended time praying in the Spirit and reading the Word. Get into alignment first, and then watch as God causes what you need to cooperate on your behalf.

1 Corinthians 1:9; Ephesians 3:11