“What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?
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?”
Romans 8:31-32 (NIV)
The strategy for picking sides for our baseball games every day in elementary school was simple: fight to get Johnny on our team. We called him “Johnny 3T” because he was tall, talented and tough.
Everybody wanted Johnny. If he was on our team, we didn’t lose – ever. When we were lucky enough to get him, we were never concerned about the opposition . . . because we had Johnny.
He would walk up to home plate, raise his bat over his shoulder, and the infield would automatically move back several steps. Sometimes he would point to the spot where he intended to hit the ball, not in arrogance but in confidence.
The outfielder in that area would immediately punch his fist into his glove and try to get ready as Johnny hit the ball but it never mattered. Having Johnny on your team was an automatic win.
We had confidence in Johnny when we played baseball as little kids but it is nothing in comparison to the confidence we should have in the power of our Heavenly Father.
Paul asks a question in Romans 8:31-32 that honestly does not need an answer. “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Think about it. Can you name one single thing in your life that is more powerful than the Lord? That can overpower Him or beat Him in whatever He does?
Let’s see. A pile of unpaid bills? A prodigal child? The fear of failure? A marriage that is on the edge? A friend who now seems more like an enemy? Your boss who is a bully? A life-threatening disease?
God, who is for us, will never ever be overpowered by anything or anyone. Nothing, absolutely nothing can stand against Him.
We do not need a strategy or luck to get the Lord to be on our “team” because He has already chosen us as His children. God is for us, my friends. I would consider that an automatic win.
Father, thank you for standing for me against those situations in life that threaten every day. You are faithful in all things. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
R.A.P. it up . . .
Reflect
Have you ever believed that you had situations in your life that God just couldn’t take care of for you?
Did you try to fix them on your own? Were you successful?
Apply
Write down in your journal the battles that you are facing in your life today.
Beside each one, write down Scripture that reminds you of God’s promises to be with you throughout everything you are facing.
Power
Romans 8:31-32 (NIV) “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 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?”
Psalm 108:6 (NIV) “Save us and help us with your right hand, that those you love may be delivered.”
Psalm 27:1 (NIV) “The Lord is my light and my salvation – whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?”
(For more of Nancy Hughes' writing, check out her blog, Encouragement from the War Room.)
Isn't this the same god who doesn't do a thing about childhood cancer?
ReplyDelete@2:26
DeleteIt is complicated. Small minds like yours may not be able handle the complexities of belief and faith. It's ok, we won't judge you.
You only call it complex to try and excuse the foolishness of belief.
ReplyDeleteNaw it's simple. God allows suffering because he's powerless, or unloving, or doesn't exist in the first place.
ReplyDeleteYeah, thanks for proving that you can't grasp complex situations. Just assume everything is simple. Like you.
DeleteSmall minds, like 99% of the scientific community? I seriously doubt you understand anything beyond "it's just Gawd, y'all"
ReplyDelete99% of the scientific community once agreed that the Earth was flat, that time was linear, that a meat rich diet was the way to go and that if you born male that your gender was male. Now they know differently.
DeleteBesides, 4:34, in your rush to demean another poster's response you failed to even understand what you were attacking. The original post defended the complexities of faith and belief. You using the belief in science is actually defending the original post.
Like it was stated above, belief and faith are complex. Everyone has their own and their really is no need to attack people that you disagree with.
Bravo to your response, @5:28.
Delete(With exception of a few grammatical errors.)
Childhood cancer is but one of many forms of human suffering that "god" isn't concerned with.
ReplyDelete