28And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. 29For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified.
31What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things? 33Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died--more than that, who was raised--who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. 35Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36As it is written, "For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered."
37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Romans 8:28-39 (ESV)
In preparing for our Tuesday Morning Bible Study, I have been meditating on these verses. This is taken from our study guide on "Steadfast Love" by Debbie Alsdorf
I find two thoughts incredibly encouraging:
- all things work together for my good;
- nothing can separate me from the love of God
I have gone through many things, and when I see that no "thing" can separate me from the love of God and that every "thing" will work together for my eventual good and growth, I am released from the need to worry or fear. But I must remind myself of these truths, and that cannot be accomplished in a one-shot glance at Scripture that makes me feel warm and fuzzy. I must have firmly planted within me the truth that I have no need to fear because God
is my shepherd;
is for me;
is with me;
works in my circumstances for good;
cannot be separated from me;
gives His angels command to protect me;
delivers me from evil.
8 comments:
this entire bible study has been really good stuff. in many ways it has transformed my life. on my way home i was thinking about it's leadership and how amazing it is when sisters come together and use their gifts for His glory. thank you!
This is so encouraging in light of the things I've been working through lately. It is this issue of trust - and fear. I am so glad you reminded me of these precious verses and the reasons I don't need to fear.
Thanks Chris.
Yes, yes!! Amen to this wonderful post. And I still wish I could be in your Bible study. :)
Amen, great word Chris! Your Bible study ladies are blessed because you take the time to really meditate on this. You are the real deal!
This was really good Chris. The key words for me were: " But I must remind myself of these truths, and that cannot be accomplished in a one-shot glance at Scripture that makes me feel warm and fuzzy."
This was a great reminder. We can all tend to skate along on the warm and fuzzy until something major does happen. We need to be continually in the Word. Thanks for this post.
What encouragement! "Nothing" means NOTHING. His love never fails; how great is His faithfulness! Thanks for sharing...
Blessings,
Lisa
I don't know what I would have ever done if God had never revealed that I can't be separated from Him to me. I was raised in a denomination that taught I COULD separate us...Thankfully I know now that I do not have that much power! :)
I can read those verses and like you said, "feel warm and fuzzy" but then I go back to worrying. I need to have his Truth planted within me. Thanks for such an encouraging post.
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