What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 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? —Romans 8:31-32
What, indeed, can be said about the gracious, amazing things we have read and memorized so far in “The Great Eight”!? They are mind-boggling—we can’t reach the height and depth of them, humbling—we do not deserve such forgiving favor, astounding—they make our hearts pound in amazement at the riches we have received from the One and only God!
And now, our Father adds yet another amazing grace, a grace so magnificent that it flattens us, humbles us to even read these words! Why? Because His promises here cover everything we will ever need or experience!
“If God be for us, who can be against us?” Most of us have a very good understanding of God’s power and His supreme authority. It is understandable that if God asserts that power and authority on our behalf, there is no force operative on earth that can win a battle waged against Him.
But look at the next verses. . .this is God’s plan as to how He accomplishes the victories! “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?”
First, He gives us His Son. At our salvation, God gives us the Spirit of Jesus to live in us forever! Then, secondly, it says, if the Father was willing to give us His Son to die for our sins, then He is also willing to give us all the help and correction and guidance that a sinner might need. He gives with gracious and abundant love all things!!! Everything we will ever need!
God has likened our lives as Christians to being on a path—the path of life, the path of righteousness that leads to everlasting life (Proverbs 4:18, Psalm 16:11, Psalm 23:3). As we walk this path, we meet many obstacles, much pain, deep losses, exhausting conflicts, and struggles. But our God, our Lord Jesus Christ, is given to us—just sometimes? NO! For He is the “friend that sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). He is the One who promised that He would “never to leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). He is constantly, faithfully, eternally committed to all of us who are His own.
As I stand on the narrow path and look backward over the long years of walking with the Lord, I see Him everywhere. There He stands, the Risen Christ at every landmark along the way, and in between, as well!
John describes Him this way:
“In the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around His chest. The hairs of His head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, His feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and His voice was like the roar of many waters. In His right hand He held seven stars, from His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in full strength.” (Revelation 1:13-16)
This awesome Warrior and Ultimate Power was there as my Defender, my Guide, my Counselor, my Resource for every need! Never has there been an experience I endured without Him being there! And never has He not brought out for good every occurrence in my life as He promised (Romans 8:28)!!!
And now, as I look into the unknown, I cannot see what lies in my path. But this I know…Jesus Christ will always be there—the Risen Christ everywhere and all the time!
I urge you to turn around and look back. If you love Christ and have received Him as your Savior, see the Risen Christ at the places of your heart-rending struggles. Praise Him for His mighty deliverances in your life, and for His bringing out for good the experiences that were loss and sorrow to you. And whatever is challenging you right now, the Risen Christ is with you—call His name out loud for help. The assurance of His assistance is given unequivocally in Romans 8:31-32!
For Reflection
Look in your concordance for all the verses likening our lives to the narrow path and read them aloud together.
Look in your hymn book for the beloved Fanny Crosby’s hymn, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me” and discuss the things she praises God for as she walked her narrow path.
Talk about memories. Look back at the difficult places in your lives, and share how God led you and met your needs and brought good out of the loss or trouble.