Will You People Stop Saying This Phrase !!!

Whenever something happens in our world, whether it is viewed as good or bad, I usually expect to hear this response uttered from some well meaning person: "I am one of those people who believe everything happens for a reason." I cringe every time I hear someone use this phrase. Why? Because, people use this phrase as an explanation for everything that happens in the world. However, when you use this phrase, you are simply stating the obvious. Of course, everything happens for a reason. Whether you understand the reason something happened or not, there is always a reason. I think many people use this phrase hoping that it will make those who hear it feel better about whatever has just happened for a reason. My hope is that people will stop saying this phrase every time something happens. What is my reason behind this? I believe that those who follow Christ have a better phrase given to us by Paul, in his letter to the Church at Rome that we can use when things happen in our lives. The phase in found in Romans 8:28 (NASB):

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.

Though some believe that this phrase is the same as saying, “Everything happens for a reason,” it is simply not the same. This phrase clearly tells us that God is causing all things to work together for good, for a specific group of people. They are the people who love and follow God and there is always a purpose behind what God is doing for those who love and follow Him. God is causing all of these things to work together; not random chance or fate. Nothing has or ever will happen in you life that God doesn’t already know about and have a purpose for. What a great promise of God.

The difference in these two phrases is huge. The first phrase tells us nothing about the reason or the purpose behind the reason. The second phrase assures us that God is the cause of all things and that he has a purpose behind why He is doing something or allowing something to happen in the life of someone who loves and follows Him.

Some might think I am splitting hairs, but this difference is not hair splitting; I believe it is life changing.

So, the next time you hear someone say, “I believe everything happens for a reason,” you simply say, “I believe that God causes all things to work together for good for people like me who love God and are called according to His purpose.” They might call you a “Bible Thumper” but I am sure you have been called worse over the years. Have a Great Weekend living life to the full !!!