Romans 8:31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He 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? 33 Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who 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. 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor 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.
Wow! I know, not very “theological” or profound — but honest. I come to this passage, and I truly am speechless. I am left awed by God’s love, His care, His sovereignty, His majesty.
There are times when my flesh wishes that verses 35 and 36 were not there — God’s promise is that nothing will separate me from the love of Christ, not that the love of Christ will eliminate any tribulation or hardship or peril. But God’s promise is that nothing can ever separate me from the love of Christ. Nothing.
Lord, help me to remember this truth when tribulation comes. Thank You that You have justified me. Thank You, Jesus, for interceding for me. Thank You for giving Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your Word, that teaches me who You are.
*anthem — a song or hymn of praise or gladness (from Merriam-Webster online dictionary)
Plea for Grace 