All things!
“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” Rom. 8:28; (NASB)
Some thirty-five years ago I used to minister in the jail systems of Los Angeles County. I would go on Tuesdays and Thursdays for several years conducting a Bible Study for the men who were in custody. I had this one gentleman who accepted Christ with me and he continued to study for approximately eight months more while he remained in custody. As the time came near for his release, he told me that he was glad that he was arrested and went to jail because if he was never incarcerated, he would not have heard about the gospel. He stated that he knew without a doubt that God used this negative experience for his good. Upon his release he contacted me and became a member of the church. He brought his wife and his five children who also accepted Christ as their Lord and Savior.
I know that over the years I have had some tough experiences that I did not understand. I have had frustrations and disappointments, I was treated unfairly, people spoke behind my back, told lies about me, my so-called friends left me, and doors closed to what I thought were positive opportunities for advancement. I know that throughout my fifty-three years walking with Christ He has used ALL THINGS, both good and bad, to shape and mature me. I have not always liked the answers God provided or the way He did things but eventually I saw His wisdom.
I have a suggestion that might help you out when you are in the valley of self-pity. Remember that God has ordered our steps. There is absolutely nothing can take place in your life that God can’t turn it around for His glory. Remember, I did not say that God brings negativity into our lives. Sometimes this negative problem we cause by our own disobedience but as we repent God can use them to teach us different things. Amid trouble praise God because you know that He loves you and is working things out on your behalf. I did not say praise Him for the bad, but in the middle of the bad because He loves you and will use all things for our benefit.