If God is for us, who can be against us? …Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? …Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
–Romans 8:31, 35, 38-39
Think about what Paul is telling us: nothing, nothing can separate us from the love of God! Paul knew what he was talking about because he had more than his share of trials and suffering (2 Corinthians 11:24-28). Yet he remained positive and joyful throughout his life, not in spite of them but because of them.
“What kept the great apostle going? It was simply the overwhelming conviction that, whatever came his way, he was eternally safe and secure in the love of God. Nothing could really touch him. Nothing could dislodge his position with God the Father and Jesus his Son. He was able to laugh in the face of trial and tribulation only because it couldn’t really get to the center of his being. Every time he lost something valuable in this life, he knew that day by day he was getting closer to his homeland, the kingdom that couldn’t be shaken.
“So how do we come to that same confidence? By going through life’s troubles and coming out of them in one piece. When we pass through the storms and live to tell others about it, we grow another inch in spiritual stature. If it doesn’t happen, if all we ever experience is smooth seas and mild weather, then we will be of no use to others who are struggling to get through. So it’s not just about us. God wants us to become positive, strong people for the sake of others.”
TODAY’S PRAYER: Pray that God will show you all the various ways your present struggle will lead the way to your personal faith growth. Pray also that God will make you a great encouragement to those around you who are struggling to hang on and desperately need a visible witness to God’s faithfulness.
- God of the Last Minute - September 25, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 100 – A New Day - April 10, 2018
- Your 100 Day Prayer: Day 99 – The Final Chapter - April 9, 2018
