2nd Opinion: Maybe God is not finished yet

My wife and I recently went to a movie, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, with some friends. British retirees relocate to India to live out their days in what they believe is a newly restored hotel. They are convinced their limited incomes will afford a better life in India.

The hotel turns out to be less luxurious than portrayed in its Internet advertisement. The owner has a dream, but it isn't quite accomplished yet! At first, they all are disappointed. But life at the Marigold Hotel in noisy, confusing India slowly begins to amaze them in unexpected ways.

The movie is full of witty conversation. At one point, a husband and his wife are arguing. Finally, she shuts him up by telling him, "When I want your opinion, I'll give it to you."

But the best line of the film is this one, and this is the theme of the movie: "All things work out in the end. If things haven't worked out, it isn't the end."

When one goes to a secular movie, you don't really expect to hear the gospel truth, but occasionally, you are surprised. That line made me think of one great gospel truth found in Scripture and added a new twist for me to contemplate.

Of course, I am thinking of Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." This is God's great promise to every child of his who loves him. It especially is encouraging when times are rough and you wonder why God is allowing "bad things" to happen to "good people."

With the twist added, I think it is safe to read this verse in this new way: 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. And if things haven't worked altogether for your good, it isn't the end; God isn't finished yet. He still is working.

That is the implication of Romans 8:28. If you love God and are going through a rough patch, be courageous! Smile and face your difficulties with confidence. Have faith in your generous God, who will through it all bless you. He hasn't given you more than you can handle. He hasn't left your side. You are the victor over any circumstance, because he is fighting the battle for you.

And in the end, when the dust settles and the smoke dissipates, after a time and with the benefit of hindsight, you will see how God has caused all things to work together for your good. Your love for him is not in vain. In fact, you will find that your love for God has been deepened by the difficult times you have endured. Your testimony of God's faithfulness, when we hear you tell the story, will amaze us all.

For now, rest assured. If things haven't worked altogether for your good, it isn't the end. Be patient. God isn't finished yet. He still is working.

Rich Mussler is a member of First Baptist Church in Lewisville and author of the Twisted Texan novel series, as well as a play, The Weaving, about Corrie ten Boom, who sheltered Jews during World War II.