For Reflection/Discussion: Why do people believe that the statement Everything happens for a reason is comforting? Is it? Is it true? Does everything happen for a reason? What evidence do you have for your answer? In what ways is Paul's statement in Romans 8:28 like and/or unlike the notion that Everything happens for a reason? What exactly does Paul mean by "the good" in Romans 8:28?

For Reflection/Discussion: Are you a person who likes to be in control? In what areas of your life are you most and least in control? How does knowing that God is in control of "all things" help us face challenges and weather difficult situations? If God is fully in control, why do bad things happen? Review the story of Joseph in the Book of Genesis. How does Joseph's story speak to God's being in control of human events? How do you understand the relationship between the sovereignty of God and human choices and actions in Jesus' crucifixion?

For Reflection/Discussion: Is Romans 8:28 a conditional or an unconditional promise? To whom is it addressed? What does it mean to love God? What does it mean to be called "according to his purpose"? How do we know if we have been called according to God's purpose?

"Jesus didn’t suffer so you wouldn’t suffer. He suffered so that when you suffer, you will become like him." —Tim Keller

For Reflection/Discussion: According to Romans 8:29-30, what is God's ultimate, final purpose for your life? How does God use our problems to further that purpose? Can you think of ways that your past problems have corrected you? protected you? redirected you? perfected you? Which is more important to you: your happiness or your holiness? your comfort or becoming Christlike? Which is more important to God? What questions, if any, do these verses raise in your mind?