Why do you think people attempt to comfort others with the statement, "Everything happens for a reason"? Why might this be an insensitive thing to say? Do you believe that everything happens for a reason? Is the idea that everything happens for a reason biblical?

Is Romans 8.28 saying that "It's all good"? Is it all good? How has human sin affected God's once perfect creation? What is your response to the statement, "Everything happens for a reason, but sometimes the reason is that you’re stupid and make bad decisions"?

The word translated “all things” is the Greek word panta. It’s meaning is comprehensive and all-inclusive. God is at work for the good of those who love him in all things— not just in special, isolated events or experiences; not just in good significant, positive, favorable, or successful events or experiences. In all things. Where do you see God at work in your life today? How is God at work in your blessings? How is God at work in your difficulties and challenges?

Why does today's text limit God's working in all things for the good of those who love him? Is there any logical or theological reason that God would not be at work in the lives of those who don't want or don't welcome His involvement in their lives?

What is the good that God is determined to do in your life as a believer? How is this similar to, and/or different from, the ways in which we usually think of or define what's good? What is your response to Michael Luke's observation, "When it comes to the consequences of the fall, we aren’t offered immunity. We are offered eternity…" and Timothy Keller's statement, "Jesus didn’t suffer so that you wouldn’t suffer. He suffered so that, when you suffer, you become like him…"?