No Separation
Opening Prayer
As you pray, thank God today that “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Rom. 8:37).
Read Romans 8:18-39
[18] I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. [19] For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. [20] For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope [21] that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. [22] We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. [23] Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. [24] For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? [25] But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. [26] In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. [27] And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. [28] And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. [29] For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. [30] And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified. [31] What, then, shall we say in response 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, along with him, graciously give us all things? [33] Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. [34] Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died-more than that, who was raised to life-is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? [36] As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered 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 convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, [39] 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. Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
How does Paul describe our secure relationship to God?In the midst of sufferings and difficulties, Paul doesn’t try to fix things for the Romans; however, he does offer them perspective. There is a bigger picture beyond their immediate experiences and tensions (18,19-21). Meanwhile, humanity, indeed all creation, is in the midst of painful contractions awaiting the fulfillment of God’s plans (22). I remember experiencing painful, agonizing contractions as I delivered my children. I remember the sweat, tiredness, pain, and the epidural injection that seemed to make absolutely no difference. I remember the creeping fear that this would never end. The constant during that time was my husband’s hand. I clutched it tightly; we could not be separated. Soon I cradled new life in my arms. And my husband was still there. Life might feel like a series of contractions as we ache for God’s work in our lives to be fulfilled (23). We’ve tasted his glory, but life is still sweat and blood, boredom, waiting, fear and tears. Through it all, God holds us, because nothing can ever separate us from his love (35,38,39). One day, our lives will cradle not just the promise, but the fullness of new life.
Apply
How has the Gospel transformed your life? What difference does it make to know you are secure in God’s love?
Closing prayer
Pray for an opportunity soon to share the good news of the new life you have received from Christ!
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