‘Everything happens for a reason.’ It’s a phrase we hear often — offering comfort, hope, even a sense of security. And yet, you won’t find those exact words in Scripture. Why? Because that phrase can paint a picture of a God who controls every detail like a puppet master — rather than a God who loves, who cares, who draws near in our pain.

Today, we want to explore a better story. A truer story. One where God doesn’t stand at a distance pulling strings, but steps into the mess with us — with work boots on. A God who is present, not just in the triumphs, but in the tragedies. Not orchestrating every hardship, but walking with us through them.

In everything, God is near. And that changes everything.

Passage: Romans 8:18-25 CEB