All Things For Good

Romans 8:28 begins "...And we know that God causes all things to work together for good..." and ends with the modifiers "...to those who love God" and "...to those who are called according to His purpose." Of course, this is one of the most memorized and quoted verses of Christians - as a man who has led men's Bible studies for the past eight years or so, I have heard it quoted many, many times. Can I say that some of those who quoted this verse were struggling with heartbreak or significant issues and to hear them quote it was a bit uncomfortable. The reason myself and others in our groups were uncomfortable was the feeling the speaker was not really convinced what they were going through COULD actually work for good. We heard the words, but not their conviction. I struggled with this lack of conviction for a long time and know it is not uncommon among men.An elderly pastor friend mentioned Thomas Watson's book in a passing conversation. I had never heard of Thomas Watson, but downloaded the Kindle version. What I found was a GREAT book I have enjoyed very much. Thomas Watson lived 1620-1686 and was an English, Non-Conformist, Puritan preacher and author. He published "All Things For Good" around 1660. The Kindle version uses "modern day language" for the most part (although there are some "interesting" archaic words retained you will probably chuckle over). There are nine chapters that do a superb job of "fleshing out" HOW all things work together for good...for those who love God, etc. Chapter One takes on how the BEST things work for good to the Godly. Chapter Two takes on the opposite - how the WORST things work for good to the Godly.Chapter two and how the worst things work for good is what has been very helpful to myself and others. Watson lays out, in simple language, how afflictions work for good. It is not a shallow treatment of this sensitive subject but examines afflictions from many angles. There are many good books on "why things happen to good people" but this is the original. Watson provides many helpful insights and solid thinking about how the worst things work for good, with absolutely NO sugar-coating or covering up the fact the worst things ARE, in fact, the worst. In this chapter Watson also writes how "the evil of temptation works for good" - just one of his insights being that "temptation works for good, as it is a touch-stone to try what is in the heart." Just this one sentence can facilitate a great conversation among men who fight temptation on a daily basis. In the next paragraph, Watson writes a great thought completely useful today..."Temptations work for good, as God makes those who are tempted, fit to comfort others in the same distress...A man that has ridden over a place where there are bogs and quick sands, is the fittest to guide others through that dangerous way..." Have you ever thought how temptations work for good as they make us "long more for heaven?" Watson did and writes it down here. Have you thought much about how "the evil of sin works for good to the godly?" Watson did and lays out several pages of thought on how both OUR sin and the sins of others work for good. What he wrote in 1660-something could have been written yesterday - "...the people of God pray against the iniquity of the times, that God will give a check to sin, that He will put sin to the blush. If they cannot pray down sin, they pray against it; and this God takes kindly. These prayers shall both be recorded and rewarded. Though we do not prevail in prayer, we shall not lose our prayers. "MY PRAYER RETURNED INTO MINE OWN BOSOM" (Psalm 35:13).Watson includes many reference verses - as above - throughout his book, so there is plenty to back up what he wrote. I am on my second and third readings of several sub-chapters of his book and am enjoying his work very much. Highly recommended!

This little book is a co must read for every Christian. It’s a small book, a short read, but the Biblical truths are encouraging , bring comfort when life is hard and we are attack by the enemy.

Thomas Watson sets a high standard. The bar is high. At first too high for me. When he lists the horrific deaths of martyrs, I guiltily do an eye roll, but then am reminded of Eusebius, and how his stories of the same pricked my heart to greater love for God. Thomas Watson does the same. The older writing style took a little getting used to, and I think I lost some of the rich wisdom in the earlier chapters. But as I slowed down, the gems shined like the cave of treasures found by Aladdin. His chapters on Effectual Calling answered many questions for me. As well, the chapter regarding sin, “What is sin that any should love it?”, and the description that followed made me take notice like when smelling salts applied snap to attention a sleepy soul. I loved how Watson posed questions and literally answered them. I loved how he listed ‘how to’s’. But most of all I loved how he spurred me to love God and hate sin with the passion of the early saints, and the internationally persecuted church today. I think my favorite quote, or I was just so amused by it was, “Never was any man a loser by his love for GOD.” It took me completely out of his century, but my amusement spurred my thirst for more of Watson’s wisdom. My only negative about this book was that I read it on kindle, and whenever I tried to click on the scripture reference it ‘read error’. I plan on reading and studying this book again, with my bible (or app) ready by my side.

The modern reader may have some difficulty reading this work, but it is well worth the time and effort. Don't rush through it; you owe it to yourself to invest the time to explore this book from another generation.

This is an excellent book. It needs to be read slowly and thoughtfully. Thomas Watson has certainly become one of my favorite preachers. Although written in the 1600's, his writing are still relevant and it's not hard to read. If you are looking for POP Christianity, this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for meaningful writing that will affect your life in a positive way, then get the book.Romans 8:28New Living Translation (NLT)28 And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Amazing book for all Christians who need help, comfort, and assurance of their salvation. Also helpful for non-Christians to recognize their sinful and wicked state outside of God’s election.One of the best expositions of Romans 8:28 that truly leaves your heart warmed by the fire of God’s immense love for those who He’s saved!

You will never regret the time you spend with this dear brother in Christ.I look forward to seeing him in heaven.

I cannot recommend this book enough! Get a copy today! I need to read this book many more times to really get it in my soul. I took so many notes. I will likely review them many times over the year.

The book will help anyone with understanding where God is when we suffer. Knowing that God is in the midst and that he is working all things for our greatest good and his glory is the comfort of the believer. I highly recommend all reading this short yet powerful book.

The Puritan Thomas Watson is a Christians delight. He touches your senses, and explains things so easily. A wonderful book.

Thank you for the book, it came on time, I'm very pleased with my purchase.Philip Powell