Often when something unexpected happens, especially various kinds of suffering, people respond with any number of statements such as: “Everything happens for a purpose,” “God has a purpose in this,” or “Don’t forget that God has a purpose in this to bring about something good.” These statements can roll off a person’s tongue so quickly that they seem like clichés. In contrast, recently I read another blog that dogmatically contrasted these statements. The author claimed that, in fact, these statements are both untrue and unhelpful.
Does everything that happens have a purpose? If it does, what is that purpose? Or, at least, how can I somewhat figure out the purpose? If it does not, then how can I make best sense of what is going on in my life?
Yes, Everything Has a Purpose
The Bible teaches that everything does have a purpose. The Apostle Paul included this teaching in his letter to the Romans. In an extended paragraph on suffering, Paul tells us that the Holy Spirit prays for us even when we do not know how to pray. He further explains that the Holy Spirit knows what is in God’s plan so that as He prays, He prays for us according to the need in the moment (Rom 8:18-27). Paul continues:
28 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. 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified. (Rom 8:28-30)
This text helps us understand why the Holy Spirit’s prayer is so effective.
All Things Work Together for Good
He tells us that, “all things work together for good.” In other words, every circumstance in life – all things – function together in God’s plan for our good. How do they function together? He says, “…according to His purpose.” The circumstances in life work work together according to God’s purpose which, again, is for our good.
So do things happen for a purpose? Yes. God’s purpose.
Over the years, I have often heard people say, “We need to wait and see what the good is that God plans to bring out of this.” Or they may speculate what it is. For instance, after getting a flat tire, a man responds, “I saw a terrible accident on my way to work today. God allowed me to have that flat for my good to protect me from that accident.”
Let me suggest that both of these explanations of the good in God’s purpose are inaccurate.
Consider the Plan of God
It is unnecessary to try to determine the good in a particular situation according to God’s purpose. Why? Because God has already told us what the good is in any circumstance. Paul continued over the next two verses to describe the plan of God from eternity past to eternity future and how the purpose of any person’s circumstances fit in that plan. He writes, “For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren” (Rom 8:29).
In God’s plan, He uses each person’s circumstances to help him or her become like Jesus Christ. This is the good. God allows the situations in life to help you become more like Jesus. This is helpful on many fronts; however, the first is perspective. As situations change in life, the Christian should ask him or herself, “Why would a good God Who desires for me to become like Jesus Christ in this situation allow this to happen? What in my life needs to change in order for me to become more like Christ?”
For this reason, the Christian unnecessarily postpones hope along with the right perspective in a circumstance when he or she thinks it is important to wait and see what the good is in the situation. As our example, there is no need to wonder if one was saved from an accident because of a flat tire. In both instances, the good is to become like Christ now.
Rejoice in God’s Care and Love
God works His plan in each person’s life according to God’s own purpose. He uses circumstances to work out this plan. In the process of going through these circumstances, we can each rejoice in God’s care and love. In fact, Paul continues in Romans 8 describing the incredible love God has for us as demonstrated in the death of Jesus Christ for us (Rom 8:31-39). God loves us enough to use all the circumstances in life together to help us become more like Jesus.
Could God Be Doing More than Just Helping Us Become Like Christ?
Just because we know God’s primary purpose in a particular circumstance does not mean that there may be even more in any situation that we do not know. Consider the example from above. A flat tire may actually have delayed you long enough to not be in an accident. The reality is, you do not know. What you do know is this: God providentially protected you from the accident on the same day that you had a flat tire. Therefore, you can at the very least become more like Christ in this instance by increasing in your patience and your gratitude.
The thinking would go something like this:
Although inconvenient, the flat tire caused me to pause my day long enough to reflect on how circumstances help me become more like Christ. In the process, I also saw that I had missed an accident on my way to work. Not only is God using my circumstances to help me today grow more in patience (having to stop to fix the flat), but He also providentially protected me from an accident today (growth in gratitude).
Possibly without the flat, you may have been less aware of God’s providential protection when you saw the accident. Your awareness of your flat tire, God’s timing, and seeking to consider how God would have you become more like Christ, all worked together to help you grow in patience and gratitude.
Helpful Words or Christian Cliché?
Should we make statements like the ones above, “Don’t forget, everything has a purpose,” when we see someone going through a difficult circumstance? Possibly – but be very careful.
Your reminder should not be a cliché. It should not just be words that fill a void or words that postpone hope in this immediate instance.
Instead, use these words to remind another believer of his or her gracious God Who lovingly and caringly uses every situation in life to help each of us become more like Jesus. Not for some good someday – which, in fact, may providentially happen as a result – but good today. In this circumstance, right now, God desires to grow and change this person.
One other reminder. As you have this conversation, do not just drop the truth and go on. Use this circumstance as an opportunity to minister grace to your friend. See what you can do. Look for ways you can encourage. Allow God to work through you in the other person’s circumstance to be an instrument of His grace. And guess what? In the process God will be using you and your response to help you both become like Christ as well.
KevinCarson.com | Walking together through life as friends in Christ sharing wisdom along the journey
Excellent article on taking the “love” to think before you speak. We must also think carefully whether or not we really want to help bear someone’s burden. Bearing another’s burnden is a serious commitment and requires me to exert spiritual effort and thought. It can be exhausting. But taking the time to thoughtfully reflect all circumstances back to God and His kind care for us in small trials or overwhelming ones is the foundation of our responsibility to one another. Your articles are immensely helpful to me. Thankyou