“Each Thing” versus “All Things”

As I mentioned in my May newsletter, our Sunday school class had been studying the apostle Peter’s first letter to the churches in Asia Minor.  I had the privilege of teaching from chapter 4.  The subtitle for the second section of chapter 4 is “Suffering for being a Christian”. 

I shared the verses below at the end of the lesson for two reasons.  First, because the apostle Paul authored the book of Romans and much of his writing and teaching is perfectly aligned with Peter’s doctrine. (Peter was an apostle to the Jews, Paul was called to be an apostle to the Gentiles.)

Second, while verses 17 and 18 are tremendously encouraging, I believe (like myself) that many Christians have had a difficult time understanding and/or applying the principle behind verse 28 in correlation to difficult struggles that may occur during their lifetimes.  Allow me to explain after reading the verses below.

17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.  18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.  28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:17-18, 28)

I want to focus on verse 28 and the two words that are highlighted; “all things.”  At the celebration of life for DeeDee’s father, the former pastor of their church spoke at the end of the ceremony.  He shared something very profound that I had never heard before about those two words.  I pray the simple truth he shared will be as much of a blessing to you as it was to me.   

There is a difference between “all things” and “each thing.”  

All Things vs. Each Thing

When we’re going through a struggle that feels like we are walking through the valley of the shadow of death, it is difficult to reconcile that suffering with the truth of verse 28.  The question is often, how can this possibly be used for good according to God’s purposes?  Why me?  Why this?  Why now?  What could possibly be the purpose behind this ordeal?  However, that struggle is not “all things” – it’s a “singular thing”.

As I teach, I’ve often shared the following.  We live life looking through the windshield.  We understand life looking through the rearview mirror.  This current struggle that you’re having to navigate through is an “each thing.”  While unpleasant, it is a singular event in your life and not “all things.”  This current struggle is comparable to looking through the windshield.  It is a part of the journey that will culminate in getting you to your final destination.

Months or sometimes years later, as you look through the rearview mirror, only then can you understand that that was one event in “all things.”  God had a purpose for that suffering.  It was simply a detour to reroute your journey and to allow God to further prepare you to carry out the purpose He has for you.

After accepting Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior, I couldn’t understand why an unwanted divorce tore apart my family.  However, I had learned enough to trust God to help me navigate through that valley.  Looking back years later, I understood that I was unequally yoked and God’s plan for my life could not be completed if I had remained in that relationship.

Looking through that windshield was like driving through a dense fog.  I had no idea where the road was taking me or how long the fog would last.  Now, with the benefit of wisdom and discernment from the Holy Spirit, I gaze through the rearview mirror with 20/20 vision and a clear understanding for that detour’s purpose.

In the 30+ years since my profession of faith, I’ve had lots of “each things.”  And I suspect there will be a few more as I continue down the path God has in store for me. 

But there is an unexpected benefit from looking through that rearview mirror. 

Rather than allowing “each thing” to challenge your faith in God, the reflection on “all things” will strengthen and confirm your faith in God.  And the building of your faith will help you to be prepared when the “next thing” rears its ugly head.

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever!  Amen. (Ephesians 3:20-21)

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