Daily Devotion – March 20, 2020 – Pastor Brian Hansen
Romans 8:31-39
31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else? 33 Who will bring any charge against God’s children? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is to condemn? It is Christ Jesus, who died, yes, who was raised, who is at the right hand of God, who indeed intercedes for us. 35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced 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.
This passage from Romans is quite possibly my favorite scripture in the Bible. I’ve often turned to its promises during times of loss and struggle. For I’ve discovered that in theses words of Paul, we are given the promise that nothing in all of creation or beyond has the power to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
During this time of social distancing and uncertainty, I take comfort in hearing the promises of Gods faithfulness and love. These promises are a reminder that even as we are called to put distance between each other for the sake of loving our neighbor, God does not distance God’s self from us. Therefore, no matter how difficult times may get we have one who holds us and stays beside us no matter what.
This passage invites us to know that we are valued, treasured and loved beyond all measure and that God holds us through this time of fear and uncertainty, promising never to let us go. This indeed is good and powerful news as we face the potential of an extended separation from each other. So, as you seek to love your neighbors by maintaining some physical distance from them, please know that God has promised to remain close to you. God’s promises are trustworthy and true!
Prayer: Loving God, thank you for caring for us beyond our understanding. Help us to take comfort in the promise that nothing has the power to separate us from you. Guide our hearts and our lives by your Spirit to find the best ways to love each other during this time of uncertainty, for we ask in Jesus’ name. AMEN
