"We know that all things work together for good."
  Romans 8:28

(Octavius Winslow, "Morning Thoughts")

All things under the government of an infinitely
great, all wise, righteous, and beneficent God,
work together for good.

What that good may be, the shape it may
assume, the complexion it may wear, the end
to which it may be subservient, we cannot tell.

To our dim view it may appear an evil, but
to God's far seeing eye it is a positive good.

His glory is secured by it, and that end
accomplished, we are sure it must be good.

Oh truth most divine!

Oh words most consolatory!

How many whose eye traces this page, it may
be whose tears bedew it, whose sighs breathe
over it, whose prayers hallow it, may be wading
in deep waters, may be drinking bitter cups,
and are ready to exclaim, "All these things are
against me!"

Oh no, beloved of God, all these things are for you!

"The Lord sits upon the flood."

"The voice of the Lord is upon the waters."

"He makes the clouds His chariot."

Be not then afraid.

Calmly stay your faith on this divinely assured
truth, that "all things work together for good to
those who love God."

Will it not be a good, if your present adversity results...
  in the dethronement of some worshiped idol;
  in the endearing of Christ to your soul;
  in the closer conformity of your mind to God's image;
  in the purification of your heart;
  in your more thorough fitness for heaven;
  in a revival of God's work within you;
  in stirring you up to more prayer?

Oh yes! good, real good, permanent good must result
from all the Divine dispensations in your history.

Bitter repentance shall end in the experienced sweetness of Christ's love.

The festering wound shall but elicit the healing balm.

The overpowering burden shall but bring you to the tranquil rest.

The storm shall but quicken your footsteps to the 'hiding place'.

In a little while, oh, how soon! you shall pass away
from earth to heaven, and in its clearer, serener light
shall read the truth, often read with tears before,
"All things work together for good to those who love God."