In theology, “second causes” refer to the means through which God accomplishes His will, distinguishing them from God
as the ultimate cause of all things. Second causes are not independent forces whose cooperation He needs, but they are means that He employs exactly as He will.
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As Christians we know, in theory at least,
that in the life of a child of God there are no second causes,
that even the most unjust and cruel things,
as well as all seemingly pointless and undeserved sufferings,
have been permitted by God as a glorious opportunity for us to react to them
in such a way that our Lord and Savior is able to produce in us,
little by little, his own lovely character.
Hannah Hurnard
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6 I am convinced and confident of this very thing,
that He who has begun a good work in you will [continue to] perfect and complete it
until the day of Christ Jesus [the time of His return].
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible
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The fact that He chose me and began a good work in me
proves that He’ll continue to perform it.
He wouldn’t bring me this far and then dump me.”
Chuck Smith
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And we know [with great confidence]
that God [who is deeply concerned about us]
causes all things to work together [as a plan]
for good for those who love God,
to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.
Romans 8:28 Amplified Bible
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All things: God is able to work all things, not some things.
He works them for good together, not in isolation.
This promise is for those who love God in the Biblical understanding of love,
and God manages the affairs of our life
because we are called according to His purpose.
David Gruzik