Assurance in Trials
Romans 8:32-39
32 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?33 Who shall bring any charge
against God's elect? It is God who justifies. 34 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.] 35 Who
shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or
persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? 36 As
it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.”
37 No, in all
these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For
I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things
present nor things to come, nor powers, 39 nor height nor
depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the
love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
We all experience hardship, and trials
can shake us unless we cling to truth. Let me share three assurances to
remember when troublesome circumstances arise.
First, God will always meet our needs.
This doesn't mean He provides everything we want. Instead, the Lord will bless
us with all that is necessary to fulfill His purpose for our lives. His goal is
to sanctify us, not simply to satisfy each immediate desire.
Second, we're never alone. God promised
to be with us always (Heb. 13:5). Loneliness often accompanies hardship, so we
may feel deserted or opposed by family and friends. But our Father has sent His
Spirit to be with us and in us, until the day He brings us to heaven (John
14:16-17). He is all we need--our advocate, guide, helper, and comforter.
Recognizing His intimate presence gives us confidence in the midst of trials.
Third, God's love is eternal.
Regardless of our circumstances or poor decisions, His care is
unconditional--even when He reprimands us. Loving parents allow disobedient
children to experience the consequences of wrong choices; they recognize the
benefit of learning from mistakes. Of course, there are also times when we are
negatively affected by others' wrong actions. Even then, God is sovereign and
allows only what will bring good in His followers' lives.
In difficult times, we can remember
that God will meet all of our needs, is always with us, and loves us forever.
Though Jesus said we would face troubles in this life, He offered
encouragement: The ultimate victory is His. So keep in mind that trials are
fleeting, whereas our Father's love is forever.