“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28 (NLT)
Most people don’t know that I am a “master” cake builder (at least my family thinks I am). Years ago, I decided to learn how to bake cakes. I figured that if I wanted to eat them, I ought to know how to make them. One of my favorite creations was one of the more difficult cakes to make: a German chocolate cake made from scratch for my wife’s birthday.
Making cakes has made me appreciate that the individual ingredients for a cake don’t taste good on their own. Some of them are quite bitter. If you eat flour by itself, it doesn’t taste good. If you eat baking powder or raw egg or oil by itself, you’ll regret it. Even the vanilla by itself doesn’t taste good. But if you mix them all together and bake it, it’s delicious.
One of the greatest promises of the Bible is in Romans 8:28: “We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them” (NLT).
Notice that verse does not say that everything is good. A quick look at the news headlines proves that isn’t true. And it doesn’t say this promise is for everyone—just those who love God. The way God works all things together for good is kind of like baking a cake. God can make the bitter, better.
In your life and in the world, there will be elements that are bitter and unpleasant. You might think, “That doesn’t taste good. I don’t like that change in my life. I don’t like what’s happening in the world today.”
When you’re in a season of rapid and relentless change, and some things don’t taste very good, determine that you won’t become bitter by seeing only the negative in your circumstances. Because even when nothing makes sense, you can trust that God takes it all—the good and the bitter—and uses it for his good plan.
You can’t see it now, but you will taste its sweetness in heaven one day.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Help More People Hear God’s Word
Thank you for your gift and your heart to help more people discover the hope found in Jesus Christ!
Every day, Daily Hope shares God’s Word through radio, television, podcasts, YouTube, email devotionals, social media, and Bible teaching available in 16 languages. And with your gift, you’ll help even more people know God’s love and grow in their faith.
We are grateful!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
