If God Is For Us

Read Romans 8:1-39

Ron Mathieu

The 8th Chapter of Paul’s letter to the Romans is one of the richest mines of Christian thought
in all of Scripture. Verses 28-39 formed the theme for our wedding ceremony, and I quote from
these same verses every day in my prayers. “And we know in all things God works for the good
of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

This blessed assurance does not say that followers of Jesus (those who love Him) will have
a life free of pain and trouble. The details of my life, and I suspect yours, certainly confirms
that. But God’s plan (His purpose) is much broader in scope and deeper in significance than
we can imagine, and the things that happen, including (maybe even especially) the trials we
encounter in life can “work for the good.”

Paul asks what we should say in response to this, and the answer is awesome: “If God is for us,
who can be against us?” Nobody. “If God is for us, who or what can separate us from the love
of Christ?” Nothing.

Because the Spirit is in us as a result of Jesus’ death on the cross, we are free from
condemnation for our sins, and the result is life and peace. We have inherited this as an heir
inherits his father’s fortune. We may share in Christ’s sufferings, but we will also share in His
glory! Just as labor pains herald new life, the suffering we experience as God’s children is
accompanied by peace and joy when we have been spiritually reborn.

Nothing can separate us from the love of God, and to emphasize this, Paul lists the “what-ifs”
we commonly cite as exceptions to the rule. But in the face of all these things we are still more
than conquerors.

It’s worth memorizing and repeating this scripture, especially when those inevitable tough
times come along.

P R AY E R
Lord, we pray for Your Spirit to help in our weakness. We lift our voices and don’t even know
what to pray for. But we know this: Nothing can separate us from Your love; therefore we
know that whatever comes our way will work out for good according to Your purpose. Thank
You, Lord. In Christ’s name, Amen.
 DAY 81

QUESTIONS
Paul says that we are free from condemnation through Christ Who died for us. What obligation
does this incur?

Are there examples in your life when crises seemed to have no possible connection to a
positive outcome but later proved to work out for the good according to God’s purpose?

MY REFLECTIONS
Does any particular verse (SCRIPTURE) in today’s reading speak to you?

OBSERVE what this verse is saying to you:

How can you APPLY this verse to your life today?

My PRAYER for today is: