good of those who love him” (v 28). Here is a promise that transforms the way we face the good, the bad, and the failings of life. First, it leads us to gratitude and joy, even for the “routine” good things in life. Notice, Paul does not say that “things” work together for good by themselves! Only God makes the factors of life turn to our good. Christians do not believe the world is a nice place, or that life by nature will be happy. Many people are shocked and disillusioned by the tragedies and