What, then, shall we say in response 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, along with him, graciously give us all things? – Romans 8:31-32
What, then shall we say? What could we possibly say in response to the incredible truth, not just one truth, but truth upon truth of our undeserving state, of the love God set on us, of His call and redemption, of His Spirit’s intercession on our behalf, of the suffering that can only bring us to glory, of the assured glory that awaits us and all creation, of the inheritance we will share with Christ, of Father’s love poured out into our hearts, of our adoption into God’s family, of freedom from enslavement to sin and death, of the Spirit’s power to sanctify and put to death sin in our lives, of the resurrection power of the Spirit raising us to righteous life, of a life that pleases God, of a mind freed to life and peace, of the condemnation borne in the body of Christ on our behalf and from which we are freed forever.
What shall we say? Surely we are rendered speechless in awe at the grace of God, and driven to our knees in thankfulness at all He has done. All for us.
Who can be against us?
The reality is that there are many circumstances that go against us, and people who go against us, and Satan who is against us. Are you facing opposition? Are you feeling like systems and structures are working against you? Are people backstabbing you? Does it just feel like everything is going wrong?
Yes, there are many things in this world against us (even ourselves sometimes!), but what is the worst they can do when God is on our side? Even death will only change us into beings more glorious than we can even imagine. Every single thing, whether for us or against us, is being worked together for our good by our God. Our Father hears every cry, every prayer, the Spirit interceding for us. What in the universe could possibly be against us when God is on our side? He is just on our side, standing on the sidelines and cheering us on, He is for us, actively at work promoting and bringing about everything that will be for our good (as He defines) and holding back everything that will be bad (as He defines). He already gave us Himself, in the Son, dying on the cross. There is nothing greater He could have given. We do not have to be concerned that He would withhold anything that would be truly good for us.
When God called into full time ministry, He also called to study theology. I was working as a corporate accountant at the time, and I spoke to my boss about reducing my hours so that I would be able to study part time. I explained the call I had. She wasn’t a Christian but was very supportive and did what was necessary to adjust my work hours. I felt this was such a clear confirmation of God’s call and was so thankful. About a year later, she scheduled a meeting with me very early in the morning – much earlier than our regular hours – and informed me that I had been made redundant. She said they had to choose someone, and since I had already made it clear that my career path was shifting away from corporate accounting, mine was the role to be cut. I walked out numb. What did this mean? Why was God doing this? Wasn’t He on my side? Why wasn’t He letting me work? How could He let this happen?
Maybe you’ve been in situations like this where it seems that you know already what God’s plan for you is/should be. I felt like what I had been able to negotiate with my boss was great and saw no reason for the arrangement to be modified.
But God did need to modify it, and He needed to modify me too. My identity was too bound up in my success and it needed to be broken so that He could build up my identity in Christ. My work was misaligned with my ministry training. I needed more time for practical training, and more flexible hours so that my subject choice could broaden. This redundancy was for my good. I was suddenly released to learn and train in a way I had not even contemplated as possible. God was for me, in every sense of the phrase. I couldn’t see it in the moment, and not for months and months afterward, but it was what my heart needed. Not only was my time released, but my heart was released to be humble as I learned and messed up and received negative feedback.
I came to understand what God was doing in this situation. That is not always the case. But if you have been a Christian for a while, you probably also have some stories similar to mine where God has shown you His reasons. Recall them, remember them and use them. They have helped me to trust God in the midst of situations I don’t understand.
God is for us.
Have you sometimes found yourself flustered and rushing about, trying to “correct” difficulties and suffering in your life? Sometimes, this is an indication that we aren’t really trusting that God is good. Sometimes, rushing about trying to change your circumstances means that we don’t really believe that God is for us in every situation. There is even a kind of prayer and religious activity that is frantically trying to force God’s hand to do what you want Him to do. Does your prayer life (and maybe Bible reading and church attendance) go up when you’re in trouble? Do you try to bargain with God? Is there room in your heart for God to say “No” to your request, or does your religious fervour depend on God saying “Yes”? Is there room in your heart to understand that God is working something for your good, and it may be that there is prolonged difficulty?
If you have noticed some of these patterns in your life, open your heart to God in repentant prayer. Fill your memory bank with God’s promises. As seasons (long or short) of trials come, recall the litany of truths in this chapter, and if you can’t remember them, open up your Bible and read it over and over and ask the Holy Spirit to pour your Father’s assuring, steadfast love into your heart.
There is a deep rest in the Father’s love, knowing He is for us. Even in the midst of trials He is actively working for our good. He will leave no good thing undone. Ever.
Prayer focus:
- Praise God that He is for us. Where can you specifically thank God for His active goodness in your life?
- Pray for Christians here and around the world who are finding Governments, workplaces, schools and society increasingly hostile to their faith. Pray that their faith in God would not waver, but deepen. Pray that responses would be wise and loving.
- Pray for those who face situations of hostility amongst friends and family. Pray that they would be able to continue to love, even as they may feel attacked and betrayed, and that they would find strength and solace in God and His family.
