Thank you for the question on the assurance of God’s goodness, “How can God give us assurance that everything will be alright?”
Christians quite often quote Romans 8:28 on the assurance of God’s goodness toward them. The promise of Romans 8:28 must be taken into context and the text itself.
Romans 8:28–30 says this, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[i] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified” (NIV).
The phrase that everything will be alright means didn’t things to different people. There is a difference between everything will be alright and everything works for our good. What we as humans think would turn out alright may not be for our good and what we think is not alright may be for our good.
In the context of Romans, God is interested in our character development, not in our comfort or convenience. God allows certain events into a believers life to transform him/her into the image of his dear Son, Jesus Christ. If in one’s stubbornness, one is not willing to change then God may use difficult circumstances to cause change of attitude or actions. It may be uncomfortable since it is a discipline of God. It is during the time of trial that there may be pain or suffering, but that suffering will work itself out by changing one’s perspective on people or having greater understanding of pain. It develops compassion in us.
Jacob grew up being spoiled and a deceiver while Esau was impulsive and vengeful. Would reason solve their attitude and actions or would some event would correct their attitude and action? Did everything turn out alright for Jacob? For 20 years, he wouldn’t say so at all for his father-in-law was more conniving than he was. He learned to be humble and to be godly through his trials. God transformed Jacob’s character while he had to deal with his past of “cheating” Esau.
The assurance that God will work everything out for the believer’s good is the love of God. It is the love of God that redeemed him/her and it is the promise of Christ that he will never leave or forsake us that sustains and assures the believer. If God sent his Son to die for those who believe in him, will he not also give us everything for life and godliness.
Romans 8 further declares that nothing in this life or in the life to come will ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus, not even death. The believer’s destiny is assured since we will be glorified with Christ. It is the love of God that assures the believer that everything ultimately will be made right and for our good.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/How-can-God-give-us-assurance-that-everything-will-be-alright