Do you like brownies? How about chocolate cake?

If you do, then you and I are on the same page when it comes to sweets. We both have the same idea of what a perfect dessert is.

Not everyone might agree with us, however.

Take my friend John, whose background is Greek. He likes syrupy-sweet desserts like the Greek classic baklava, or nut-based ones like walnut cake, things I love as well.

John happens to be married to an Asian woman. They agree on most things, except when it comes to dessert.

Case in point: John’s in-laws once treated him to dinner at a Chinese restaurant. They promised him an extra-special dessert to finish off the banquet, something he’d absolutely love.

John couldn’t wait: his mouth was watering in anticipation of this mystery dessert. He imagined something intensely sweet to finish off the meal, perhaps a cake with multiple layers and lots of icing.

But when the dessert was placed in front of him, John was confused.

It was red bean soup.

While this dish is popular among Chinese people and is considered the crown jewel to end a banquet with, it wasn’t John’s idea of dessert. He was gracious in front of his in-laws, but secretly felt cheated.

The problem? John’s definition of dessert was different to that of his in-laws. His expectations were askew, so he was disappointed with what he got.

I think the same thing happens to us when read certain Bible verses—we may build up incorrect expectations based on our ingrained ideas.

Romans 8:28 contains a wonderful promise, one Christians have cherished for centuries:

“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God—those whom he has called according to his plan.”

What is your idea of “good”?

Perfect health, secure finances, and a loving family?

Or maybe owning a beach house by the ocean, or a vintage sports car?

All of these things are indeed good, but are they really what God has in mind in this verse?

Perhaps not.

I think our definition of “good” differs from God’s. We think of good as encompassing prosperity, comfort, and freedom from pain or hardship.

But God has a higher view of what good is. Take a look at the verse immediately following Romans 8:28 to see what that is:

“Those whom God had already chosen he also set apart to become like his Son, so that the Son would be the first among many believers.” (v. 29)

In God’s dictionary, good involves being conformed to the image of His Son.

The process of becoming more Christlike will not be an easy one. The path might include suffering and hardship. It will entail perseverance and submission to God’s will.

But it will produce good fruits as our character increasingly reflects the nature of Jesus.

So let’s not get disappointed when we don’t get the things in life that we expected.

God has a higher purpose for our lives. His idea of good is infinitely more wonderful than ours, and in the end you’ll realize how sweet it really is!

© 2023 Lori J. Cartmell. All rights reserved.