Thursday
Read: Romans 8:18–39
SOAP: Romans 8:31–32
What then shall we say about these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Indeed, he who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, freely give us all things?
Devotion
As Paul moved to conclude this section, he offered a series of rhetorical questions. He invited his readers to contemplate these ideas, ideas contrary to what the world believes. Instead of doing everything we can to avoid suffering, Paul encouraged us to use it as a way to increase our hope. Instead of despairing in our weakness, we are invited to lean into the Holy Spirit’s comfort as He prays for us.
If all these things are true, what can we conclude about them? What can we say? God is for us, therefore, nothing can be against us. God was willing to give His only Son so we could have eternal life in Him. He made the ultimate sacrifice already—we can trust that even in the midst of deep pain, He still works for our good.
No doubt the Christians in Rome faced many opponents to both their faith and their ministry. Even then, even in the midst of choosing Christ over life itself, Paul reminds his readers that nothing is truly against believers in Christ because God is for us.
When God acts on our behalf, nothing and no one can oppose Him. He has given us everything. In Christ, we are justified from sin and will be glorified with Him. As we wait for our redemption, He has given us everything needed to endure, everything needed to hope, and everything needed to be transformed into the image of Christ.
In seasons of darkness, pain, loss, grief, oppression, and sickness it can be easy to lose our hope. It can be easy to choose not to trust God but to trust instead in ourselves or in earthly comforts. But God is the only One who has given everything for us. If you are in Christ, He is never against you, even when it may feel that way. He is always present. His Holy Spirit is always praying for you. He is always working for your good. He is continually conforming you to the likeness of Christ. He has justified you, and nothing can change that. And Christ Himself is at the right hand of the Father, continually interceding on your behalf. He is for you.