There have been times when some of us might feel that the whole world is against us. Sometimes that may be related to our jobs, perhaps with relationships, maybe even in our own family. We feel all alone. What is even worse is if we might feel that God is against us, that we are separated from Him, that the circumstances in our life have brought a giant gulf between ourselves and the Lord. Perhaps these feelings have been brought on by war, dire personal problems, or persecution for the Faith. Are these feelings true? Have your circumstances or your enemies succeeded in turning the Lord away from you? The Apostle Paul went through some very distressing times in his ministry, and the temptation to feel that way may have come. In our Scripture today from his letter to the Romans, we read the truth that he knew, and which we should take to our hearts, as well.
Throughout the years of Paul’s ministry we read that he went through some very difficult times, even to where his life was threatened on several occasions. We see that as we read through the Book of Acts in the Bible. Just like he does to us when we are going through bad times, Satan most assuredly whispered discouraging thoughts in Paul’s mind. Satan knew the work Paul was doing, and if he could get Paul so discouraged and depressed that he gave up, that would be exactly what the devil would want.
Paul was shouted down while he preached the Gospel. He was thrown out of the synagogues because of his message. He was frequently run out of town, with an angry, bloodthirsty mob at his heels. Quite possibly he might have had to leave so quickly that he didn’t even have time to go back and collect his belongings. There would be times on the road that Paul would miss meals, and have to sleep underneath a tree. Paul was arrested and held in prison on many occasions. And numerous times the Apostle was beaten, flogged, and even stoned. Not only did Satan orchestrate all of these tribulations in Paul’s life, but he tried to use them to get him feeling so hopeless that he would give up. However, Paul never did, and the truth that we read in our Scripture is why.
Many of us have gone, or are currently going through some rather difficult times, and Satan tempts us, too, to get discouraged, feel hopeless, and even feel like giving up. There are Christians in some parts of the world who are persecuted today just as harshly as Paul was, and they may feel like God has abandoned them. Paul, though, reminds us here that even if the whole world is against us, God is not. Would God do less for His children then He did for His enemies? He died for His enemies, but now we are His children (vs. 32). He will give us all things which pertain to life and godliness, because Jesus paid for them on the Cross.
Who can successfully accuse someone whom God has declared righteous? (vs. 33). Satan tries to, just like he did with Job. Some of our enemies may also try to by bringing up all of our faults. However, when we place our trust in Jesus, God declares us righteous, and their accusations fall flat. God has acquitted us, and removed all our sin and guilt. God doesn’t accuse us, only Satan does, and we should never listen to him. Jesus is our Advocate, our divine Defense Attorney, standing at God’s right hand (vs. 34). He is in God’s presence right now defending us, standing up for us against the accusations of Satan.
No matter what happens to us, no matter where we are, we can never be lost to God’s love (vs. 35-36). God’s Word says that we are “more than conquerors” (vs. 37). That means that if we are in Christ, we conquer completely, without any real threat to personal life or health. Jesus has overcome the world (John 16:33). Those who have put their faith and trust in Him are now more than conquerors through Him.
Our trials and tribulations may cause us to feel abandoned by God, but we can know it is impossible to be separated from God (vs. 38-39). Nothing can stop His constant presence with us. Paul lists several things, including “principalities”, which are fallen angels or demons, and “powers”, which are people in positions of authority. Nothing in life’s path, from beginning to end, can separate us from Jesus’ love. In case Paul felt he left anything or anyone out, he said “any other created thing”, so that covers everything but God, Himself.
The world may be filled with darkness, our lives overflowing with difficulties, but in everything, we will ultimately enjoy Jesus’ great and final victory. God’s love is eternal. His care is unconditional. He promises to be with us always (Hebrews 13:5). Remember your risen Savior. Keep your eyes always on Him!
No comments:
Post a Comment