Romans 8:31-32, "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?" Psalm 46:1, "God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Think

Nothing challenges our ability to trust God, or messes with our emotions, more than being in the middle of a dark season. Intellectually, we know God is faithful, but our feelings get freaky leaving us to doubt what we once knew to be true. When Paul wrote Romans, he was about to travel to Jerusalem - fully aware that his life would be in danger there. This led him to present this rhetorical question in verse 8:31, "What shall we say?" This prompts believers to respond with, "suffering, pain, heartache, and tragedy." When tragedy strikes, we feel isolated, devastated, hopeless, and unmoored. It leaves us asking big, heavy questions. Paul gives us the answer in the form of another question: "If God is for us, who can be against us?" His question is a reminder that when pain strikes, to remember what God has already done for us. In short, God sent Jesus to step down through time and space to die for our sins and rise again. He felt our hurt firsthand. He willingly enters our darkness from a stance of victory. But God isn't just in it with us, He is f or us. Because He didn't spare His own Son, we can cling to His incredible promise time and time again. And if God is for us, all things are possible to those who believe!

Act

Looking back at times of pain or uncertainty, how has God shown His care?

Pray

Dear Lord, You have been faithful to me every step of the way. You've led me to victory and comforted me when I've failed. Nothing gives me greater hope than knowing that You, God, in Your all-consuming power, are f or me, with me, and in me through Christ. Thank You! In Jesus' name, Amen.