“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” Romans 8:31
Four simple words…life-changing words. God is for us. He is on our side. He wants what is best for us in all things. He will never leave us or forsake us. This is life-transforming truth. Sometimes it’s easy to believe these words. But what about the times when God seems far away? What about the seasons of life that bring disappointment and heartbreak? How can we learn to remember this truth when it doesn’t feel true?
Notice that those four words – God is for us – are the response to a question posed by the Apostle Paul at the beginning of the verse. Romans 8:31 asks, “What, then, shall we say in response to these things?” The answer Paul gives, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” I believe the key to knowing that God is for us, no matter the circumstances or feelings we face, is found within the phrase, “these things.” What “things” is Paul referring to that should automatically elicit the response, “God is for us?”
To answer this question, we must look at what Paul had previously written in Romans 8. He has told us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (verse 1), we have been set free from the law of sin and death (verse 2), those led by the Spirit are children of God (verse 14), we have been given the Spirit of adoption (verse 15), we are co-heirs with Christ (verse 17), the Spirit Himself intercedes for us (verse 26), in all things God works for the good of those who love Him (verse 28), and we have been predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son (verse 29). Then he asks the question: In light of all of these things that God has done, what should we say in response? Could we come to any other conclusion except that God is for us? And if God is for us, who could be against us?
So the next time you don’t feel like God is for you, just look to Romans 8 and be reminded of all of “these things” He has done to demonstrate His love and faithfulness. Whatever we face in this life is temporary, but His gifts are eternal. This is all the reason we need to believe that God is for us.
Dear Lord, thank you for all the things you have done for me over the years, whether I recognized they were your doing or not. Help me to remember your blessings and your gifts so that I develop a stronger faith and trust in you. In Jesus' name, amen.
Topics: Trials and Tribulations
