We often hear Romans 8:28 quoted. In fact beyond John 3:16, it may be the most familiar verse in Christendom. It promises we can, and teaches that we do, live beyond circumstances we experience because God is working ALL THINGS TOGETHER FOR GOOD to and for those who love Him and called to His purpose.
[Romans 8:28 NASB95] 28 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.
It can be easily understood, and may even be a bit trite, rehearsed, and too familiar to us, as the truth of it rolls out of our mouth and off our tongues these days. Sometimes familiar truth is taken for granted. However, it is very unlikely this truth was taken so quickly for granted in Paul’s time, nor by those he wrote to in the early ekklesia.
First because most religion and worship at the time (and even today) were not focused on the love of God, but His fearful judgment and wrath, and certainly were not focused upon His goodness in all things. Secondly, even in the ekklesia/church at the time, ALL THINGS included dangers of physical persecution and suffering.
Consider the apostles letter to the church at Philippi, a group that was under such persecution. And, just think of the encouragement of this apostle, writing from prison himself, sends them. Just consider or imagine the optimism…. NO!!! not optimism! … What a squishy term?! So, No! Consider the hope, expectation, confidence, deliverance, and purpose put forward by this imprisoned saint encouraging persecuted saints.
[Philippians 1:6, 12-13, 15-16, 18-20 NASB95] 6 [For I am] confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus. …
12 Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13 so that my imprisonment in [the cause of] Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else, …
15 Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16 the latter [do it] out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel; …
18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19 for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but [that] with all boldness, Christ will even now, as always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
Paul had something much firmer than optimism. He had confidence in God and His purpose.