Hardships and Hope – February 16, 2023

Thursday, February 16th

Devotional written by Pastor Michelle Tumes, Worship Pastor

 

HARDSHIPS AND HOPE

 

To read today: Romans 8:31-39

 

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake, we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.

Romans 8:35-36

 

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There is a theme of rhetorical questions asked by the Apostle Paul in this passage. A school of thought might be that the questions are meant to direct our attention toward the definitive answers, which state that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ; no one can condemn you if you are in Christ Jesus; God will justify all things; and the list goes on. I have been guilty of watching too much news, meditating on what could be and the dangers lurking around the corner. Granted, there is a healthy acknowledgment of safety for yourself and others, but must we be looking for imminent destruction? The scripture says tomorrow will take care of itself. If you are going through hardship today, I pray that God will strengthen you in the knowledge that you will never be outside His love. You’ve got this because He’s got you!

Our family moved to Malaysia when I was growing up. At the time, there were terrorists in the area. One day while traveling by bus in the mountains, my mom proceeded to change my brother’s diaper (or nappies, as we say). As she was doing that, a man beside her opened his briefcase. To my mom’s surprise, there were machine guns inside. Fortunately, the Lord protected us in that situation – and in many others. We were never separated from God’s love. Maybe you are walking through trouble and hardship and can’t see a way out. I can tell you for sure that God’s love surrounds you through the Holy Spirit. I ask Him right now to give you comfort and peace.

Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus today, not on the things that distract us from His goodness.

 

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