We spent a week in a most familiar portion of Romans 8 and much encouragement was gleaned …

Romans 8:28 is oft quoted and if I may be honest, I dislike when someone throws the verse out casually, loosey goosey in a way. It can often feels like the hardship of the moment is being made light of; and that is not at all what this verse means to convey.

The study puts it so well into perspective and I’ll share a few thoughts directly from the study – Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co.:

• “It is God who providentially does the working. He is active and not passive. He is not sitting by scrambling to fix the mess we are in, but He is sovereignly reigning over every moment and working every aspect of our every day for good.” (from page 26)
• “He was faithful in it all.” (from page 26)
• “All things. These words suppress any “but what if”, or “but what about ..” questions that we are tempted to raise.” (from page 26)
• “Not one ounce of sorrow will be wasted.” (from page 27)

Familiarity can often rob us of the wonder of God’s promise. I know at times it does me. It was the wording of this version that blessed me this morning and I hope it does you all as well:

“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” (AMP)

Let it soak in that God is deeply concerned about each one of us; and He has a plan. In fact, He holds the plan. He is working out every moment of each of our lives because He knows we love Him, and He knew we would falter at times. Yet He is still holding onto us tightly, working out every detail of our lives for His purposes, to bring Him honor, and for good!

The study asks: How can this verse comfort us when we are facing difficulties, sorrows, or suffering?

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We spent mid-week in Romans 8:31-32 and I am not sure who else needed these words, but they were such a comfort to my soul.

There are days when I am overwhelmed with all that is going on in the news and in our world. I find myself constantly reminding myself of the Lord’s return and the hope this brings to my soul.

And then comes today’s reading! I never want to forget this reading. Seriously. This is the day I need to return to read again and again, perhaps we all do.

We have an enemy and will face opposition in this life but in the midst of it all, God is working and He will never abandon His own!

This is the Good News we can hold onto!

“His sovereign grace to us from before the beginning of time is a place of refuge for us.”

(from Romans: The Gospel-Centered Life by The Daily Grace Co., page 37)

Let that sink in because it is the way we will remember that He is for us, with us presently, and will be with us in the future.

The study brings it down very simply to this – Jesus:

• Look to the Cross.
• Remember the Cross.
• Cling to the Cross.

The study asks: How are you comforted by the fact that if God is for us, no one can be against us?

By the time I finished reading and thinking about these verses, I was humming this song –

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Photo 1: by Brandi Redd on Unsplash
Photo 2: by Andreas Wagner on Unsplash

Today I may be joining … Tell His Story and InstaEncouragements .