"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 8:28 How could "all things" work for good? That's precisely what the verse says, it's all inclusive. Yet, how can God make our struggles and difficulties, the challenges of our time work for good? That is the question before us. The verse does not mean that all things that happen to us are good. Or that we should suspend discriminating right from wrong, it simply means that God does use even the negative events of life for our good. When we think of hard times we've experienced in life, we can probably also recall how much fervently we called upon the Lord during those times and how much more we had to rely upon Him. Accordingly, our faith was strengthened, we were granted a greater depth of wisdom, our endurance was heightened, and we took greater comfort in His words and promises. Our temporary challenge may not have resulted in how we had wanted, but nonetheless, God was able to bring blessings out of the experience we might not have gained otherwise. In the verse above, God not only promises to provide blessings from our experiences as fallen people in a fallen world, but He also promises that He has called us to a purpose. It is up to each of us to heed that call. Answer His call with work toward God's purpose. "Here am I, Send me, Send me." With eyes of faith, we can see and live His promises and purpose and benefit even from the negative. The Lord desires that we receive His good gifts, even in this dark time and world. As our loving heavenly Father He always gives such gifts, as we receive them by faith.