Devotional: Friday, June 26
Trusting What We Cannot Yet See
Scripture: Romans 8:22–28 (ESV)
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose."
— Romans 8:28
As we conclude our second week of The Daily Table, Paul reminds us that faith often means trusting what we cannot yet see.
Romans 8 is one of the most hope-filled chapters in Scripture, but it does not ignore the reality of suffering. Paul begins this section by describing creation as "groaning" under the weight of a broken world. Humanity groans. Creation groans. Even believers, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan as we wait for the fullness of God's redemption.
Waiting, then, is not unusual. It is part of the Christian life.
There are seasons when prayers seem unanswered, doors remain closed, and circumstances refuse to change. We long for healing, justice, reconciliation, or direction, yet God's timing often unfolds more slowly than our own.
Paul does not dismiss that tension. Instead, he tells us that "in this hope we were saved" (Romans 8:24). Biblical hope is not confidence in favorable circumstances. It is confidence in the faithfulness of God. That is why verse 28 has brought comfort to generations of believers.
"And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good..."
This verse is sometimes misunderstood.
Paul is not saying that everything we experience is good. Loss is not good. Suffering is not good. Grief is not good. Sin is not good.
Rather, Paul declares something even greater: God is able to redeem what is broken. He is able to take every joy, every disappointment, every unanswered prayer, every delay, and every hardship and weave them together into His good purposes for those who belong to Him.
The promise is not that life will always make sense. The promise is that God is always at work. Often we recognize His work only in hindsight.
Looking back, we realize that what once felt like a delay became preparation.
What felt like disappointment became redirection.
What felt like waiting became the place where our faith was strengthened.
That does not mean every question is answered. But it does mean we can trust the One who holds the answers.
As we finish this week, we are reminded that waiting is never empty when it is placed in God's hands. The God who renews our strength, gives us courage, and calls us to persevere is also the God who is working in ways we cannot yet see.
Our task is not to understand everything.
Our task is to remain faithful.
Reflection Questions
- Is there an area of your life where you are struggling to trust God because you cannot yet see what He is doing?
- Looking back, where have you seen God redeem a difficult season in your life?
- How does Romans 8:28 encourage you to remain hopeful during this season of waiting?
Prayer
Sovereign God, thank you that your purposes are greater than our understanding. When we cannot see the way forward, help us trust your wisdom, your goodness, and your perfect timing. Teach us to rest in the confidence that you are always at work for your glory and for the good of those who love you. Strengthen our faith as we continue to follow you, one faithful step at a time. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
Sources
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. (2016). Crossway. (Original work published 2001).
Moo, D. J. (2018). The Letter to the Romans (2nd ed.). William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company.
Wright, N. T. (2004). Paul for Everyone: Romans, Part One (Chapters 1–8). Westminster John Knox Press.
