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December 17, 2018 |
“If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” Romans 8:31b-32 (NLT)
It all went well in rehearsal and at the first two church services of the weekend. But when we got to the last service, something was terribly off in our final number.
Our worship leader kicked off the song, and somehow his guitar was ahead of where he should have been, throwing the singers and rest of the band into a momentary panic.
Then suddenly, something beautiful happened.
The music director, Pete, chimed in through our headsets and declared, “I’ll fix it.”
With the push of a button and click of a mouse, he realigned us to the proper timing, and we finished the song without anybody in the congregation knowing the potential train wreck.
After the service ended, I thought about how reassuring Pete’s voice inside our headphones felt to everyone on the worship team. I couldn’t help but think what a comfort it would be if, after each mistake I made in real life, I could hear someone interrupt my thoughts and state in a deep, booming voice: I’ll fix it.
How encouraging would it be if I could envision God doing just that?
In today’s key verse, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God is always “fixing things” on our behalf. No matter how badly things are going in life, we can live in hope, not fear. “If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else?” (Romans 8:31b-32).
God’s grace makes our hope possible. Not just for today, but for all of eternity.
Over 2,000 years ago, our heavenly Father looked at a hurting, messed-up planet. He sent His one and only Son from heaven to earth so we would not perish but have eternal life. (John 3:16) And in one proverbial push of a button, by sending His Son Jesus, God Almighty said to our broken world: I’ll fix it.
Granted, having God “fix” the issues in our lives does not mean that all our problems instantly go away. However, it does mean that God gives us the strength we need to walk through hard times, and He gives us an unimaginable peace that goes beyond our understanding to endure whatever troubles we face (Philippians 4:7).
Could you use a fix-it button in your life? A little reminder that God can solve all your problems — both big and small? To know He still loves you, no matter what? I know I sure could.
Whether I’ve yelled at my kids or abandoned my marriage, God can fix it. If I’ve been caught speeding or caused a car accident, God can solve it. If there’s too much month at the end of the money, or if the addiction continues … it’s never too late for God’s infinite grace to step in and right the wrongs in my life and yours. When we turn from our foolish or even downright sinful ways, God’s kindness leads to our repentance.
A little further in Romans 8, Paul continues: “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow — not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below — indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39, NLT).
How’s that for reassuring? Nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. No matter what’s happening around us, God’s love for us is constant. That’s the ultimate fix-it solution.
Dear Lord, thank You for taking my messed-up world and fixing all the problems I encounter, in Your way and in Your time. Thank You for loving the whole world enough to send Your Son to earth so we might one day spend eternity with You. Help me remember this at Christmastime and throughout the year: You love me always, no matter what. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
TRUTH FOR TODAY:
Romans 5:8, “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.” (NLT)
1 Thessalonians 5:9-10, “For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever.” (NLT)
RELATED RESOURCES:
Have you ever found yourself wondering how a good God could allow so much hurt in your life? Shift your suspicion that God is cruel or unfair to the biblical assurance that God is protecting and preparing you with Lysa TerKeurst’s new book, It’s Not Supposed to Be This Way. Order your copy here today.
CONNECT:
Ready to put God first in your day? Looking to jump-start your time with God as a daily reminder of His love for you? Download the free First 5 app today.
REFLECT AND RESPOND:
How can you encourage someone today with a reminder that nothing can separate us from God’s love? Send a text, give a hug or jot a note to someone close to you who needs that reminder today.
What other possible ways can you encourage someone? Share your ideas in today’s comments.
© 2018 by Stephanie Raquel. All rights reserved.
Proverbs 31 Ministries
630 Team Rd., Suite 100
Matthews, NC 28105
www.Proverbs31.org