No Fear

Read Romans 6:1–8:39

28. And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.
29. For God knew his people in advance, and he chose them to become like his Son, so that his Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.
30. And having chosen them, he called them to come to him. And having called them, he gave them right standing with himself. And having given them right standing, he gave them his glory.
31. What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us?
32. Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?
33. Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Romans 8:28-33

Rock climbers are a unique group of people. Some of them are extremely adventurous and like to climb without the aid of a rope. Others are a little more cautious and climb with the security a rope provides. This added confidence helps them scale the most difficult surfaces, even those that jut out and require them to hang over empty space.

In many ways, going through tough times is like climbing a sheer rock face. Trying to get through these times without God is like climbing without a rope. In this reading, Paul makes Christians aware of the “rope” that God extends to all his followers. That rope is God’s promise to never let anything separate us from his love. As you read, take hope in God’s rope.

Like Paul, we face hardships in many areas of life. We may be unemployed or working under strenuous conditions. Some may be punished for doing right. Others may be going through a debilitating illness or even facing death. These experiences, or the idea of having to face them, often cause us to fear that God has abandoned us or no longer loves us. But the truth is that nothing can separate us from Christ’s love. The fact that he died for us proves it, and this promise reminds us.

When you experience doubt about God’s constant love for you, remember Paul’s experience. Then reread and meditate on Romans 8:31-39. If it will help you, try memorizing verse 38: “Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love.” Do not think that your troubles somehow mean the end of his love. You can always feel totally secure that he loves you and will be with you.