Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered. 27 Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. Romans 8:26-28 NKJV

Everything that happens to you in life is not good. Bad things can happen to anyone. But Spirit-filled believers aren’t left to their own resources to cope with bad things, even when they don’t know all the right words to pray.  Our God is a Sovereign Lord who works in all things—not just isolated incidents—for our good, from the beginning until the end. From the beginning of a bad thing to the end of it, God is at work to accomplish His plan and purpose in your life.

Do all things work together for good? (Verse 28). This verse is quoted for everything negative that happens from car accidents, sickness, and trouble, and even death. This verse is also used, incorrectly, to explain away or even as an excuse for bad things that happen to us and others. But is this really what God is saying?

Please understand that some things truly said in the Bible—taken out of context— are not “the truth”, but it is “twisted truth.”  In the context of verse 28: all things work together for good when the Spirit prays in you and through you. The Romans 8:28 promise is not for everybody. It is only for those who love God and are called according to His purpose (Prov. 12:21).  Remember, God doesn’t work to make us content or happy, but He works in our circumstances to fulfill His purpose (Eph. 1:11).

When the Spirit prays in us and through us, God is perfecting His purpose in our lives (Psalm 138:8). In verse 27 of our text above, notice that the will of God is in italics which mean that this phrase wasn’t in the original text. It was added by the translators, so when the Spirit makes intercession for the saints, He make it according to God. That’s perfect prayer! From the beginning of every accident, sickness, calamity or adversity, or trouble of any kind, come what may, when the Spirit prays in you and through you, God is performing and perfecting you in accordance with His will (Phil. 1:6).