The Great Eight - Pt 38

What then shall we say to these things? 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 with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 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. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. (Romans 8:31-37 ESV).

After yesterday’s assertion about Jesus’ love not “saving” us from the earthly pain and suffering that is an inevitable part of our journey, I want to list some things that are true that will give encouragement to all of us who are walking through these trying times. There are ten brief insights that shed considerable light in understanding God’s sovereignty and our suffering in this world:  First, when we embrace the sovereignty of God, we also benefit from an infusion of strength and hope. Even when we don’t like how his plan looks from our present perspective, we must know that he loves us and can see the world from start to finish. He’s got this!  Second, we cannot presume to know better than God how to run the world. It is pride. Faith means that, regardless of circumstances, we take him at his word that he loves us and will bring us to a good result.  Third, God has a good purpose in all the hard things that happen to his people.  Fourth, death and suffering press in on us the perspective of eternity. When we are overwhelmed with sadness at what we’ve lost in this life, we must capture His eternal perspective.  Fifth, God’s distribution of suffering is not equal, and one hard thing may prepare for another.  Sixth, God’s love takes care of us right now in our suffering, not just later. God’s love is truly sufficient to meet any need that I have.  Seventh, calamity calls for quick practical love. As the body of Christ we must answer these calamities with our presence and practical assistance.  Eighth, quiet confidence in God’s power and goodness through suffering creates occasions for ministry and evangelism.  Ninth, trusting in God’s sovereign care in all circumstances frees us from greed and releases love for others. The fact that God has offered us the hope of eternal life is amazing! We should be overwhelmed with joy and gratitude.  Tenth, without God, the world is hopeless. The world is hopeless when God is factored out of the equation. Please don’t factor God out of your life. It is Jesus Christ who died and rose and reigns and intercedes for all who trust him.