FOR YOU
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?
Romans 8:31-32
In the jam-packed chapter Romans 8, we can very easily overlook this simple statement — “God is for us” — at the beginning of Paul’s “response to these things.” Paul is saying that because of all the evidence he has just laid out, we can clearly see that God is for us. Unpacking the statement one word at a time, here is what it means:
God — he is the all-powerful, all-knowing, limitless, eternal One, Creator of the universe.
God is — he exists, has always been, and forever will be — he lives.
God is for — he is good, all-loving, personal, involved in his creation, and always seeking the best; he is not “against,” a foe or someone we should avoid.
God is for us — he is on our side, cheering for us, working for us, transforming us into the image of his Son
(Romans 8:29).
He is ahead of us, leading the way. He is alongside us, standing with us in every situation. He is behind us, our greatest fan.
He is under us, providing a sure foundation.
He is above us, watching over every move. He is inside us, empowering us to live for him.
God has us surrounded! His love is personal.
And, Paul confidently asserts, because God is for us, no person, no power, and no problem can stand against us. You want proof? God sent his Son to die for us.
God is for you! Live confidently and courageously in the light of that truth.
PRAYER
My awesome Creator, knowing you are for me enables me to …
