There’s a great rhetorical question in Paul’s letter to the Romans, “What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?” (Romans 8:31, NLT). I don’t know about you, but I don’t have to look very far in my news feeds, or especially in my social media accounts, to see a world that is increasingly at odds with, and sometimes diametrically opposed to, my Jesus-follower views of how we should behave!
Paul lists examples of troubles from his era such as, “tribulation, distress, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and the sword” (Romans 8:35, NLT). In our modern society we may not face exactly the same list of troubles Paul outlines, but in many ways our list is more dangerous and more subtle! The devil is still prowling around “like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8, NLT). He still loves to deceive and discourage us, sometimes even disguising himself as an “angel of light.” But we can take heart—our God is so much greater! As the psalmist ecstatically declares, “The LORD is for me, so I will have no fear. What can mere people do to me?” (Psalm 118:6, NLT). This is a teriffic promise to hold onto when our daily struggles feel overwhelming!
Our loving Father doesn’t leave us to resist alone. He gives us everything we need: “Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil” (Ephesians 6:10-11, NLT). This amazing armor—truth, righteousness, faith, salvation, God’s Word, and prayer—is His gift to every one of us. We just need to put it on each day and walk closely with Him. God’s grace strengthens us wonderfully, but He calls us to respond to it with open hearts, staying connected to Him in a living relationship.
Nothing shows God’s heart for us more clearly than the cross. He gave His own Son for our sins, proving His love for every person. Jesus Himself said, “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers” (John 15:5-6, NLT). This is a tremendous incentive to stay close to Him! We’re encouraged to guard our hearts too: “Be careful then, dear brothers and sisters. Make sure that your own hearts are not evil and unbelieving, turning you away from the living God” (Hebrews 3:12, NLT). Staying near Jesus brings peace and security.
Even in hard times, facing opposition, we can trust that God is working things out for our good. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, NLT). He doesn’t cause every pain, but He lovingly weaves even our difficulties into something beautiful when we keep walking with Him. Our Heavenly Father has wonderful plans for us. He tells us in Jeremiah, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11, NLT).
I love how the psalmists celebrate this personal care: “O LORD my God, you have performed many wonders for us. Your plans for us are too numerous to list. You have no equal” (Psalm 40:5, NLT), and “How precious are your thoughts about me, O God! They cannot be numbered!” (Psalm 139:17, NLT). Isn’t it amazing to know that the God of the universe thinks so tenderly and often about you and me? He wants to shape us to look more like His Son, and He gives us all the grace we need as we cooperate with Him day by day.
Paul’s rhetorical question should fill us with confidence because of who God is. No power in heaven or on earth can win against us when we stand with the Lord. Even death loses its sting. “We are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:8, NLT). To live is Christ, and to be with Him is even better! Our lives are safe in His hands because we belong to Him.
Christ’s love for us is steadfast and strong. At the same time, scripture urges us to stay alert and keep our hearts turned toward Him. The wonderful truth is that nothing external can separate us from God’s love as long as we remain in Him. His grace is more than enough for any and every step we take.
If God is for us, who can really be against us? The world, our weaknesses, and the enemy may try their best, but our Creator who loves us has already won the victory through His Son. The secret is to lean into His strength, put on that armor, and choose each day to stay close to the Vine. We can, and should, come boldly and humbly to His throne—He welcomes us with open arms. No one and nothing can separate us from His love when we walk with Him in trusting, lasting faith. The Lord reigns, and His favor surrounds us like a warm embrace. That’s a beautiful place to park our fears rest our hearts, especially when we face opposition!
Blessings on you and yours, Jim Black
P.S. if you’d like to read previous ruminations of mine they can be found at https://blog.salvationarmyconcordca.org
Appendix: Scripture References (all from NLT)
- Romans 8:31
- Romans 8:35
- 1 Peter 5:8
- Psalm 118:6
- Ephesians 6:10-11
- John 15:5-6
- Hebrews 3:12
- Romans 8:28
- Jeremiah 29:11
- Psalm 40:5
- Psalm 139:17
- 2 Corinthians 5:8