Romans 8:31, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, Luke 10:17-20, Isaiah 25:8, 2 Timothy 1:10, 1 Corinthians 15:55-57
We have all experienced the evil around us. Even the horrors we have not personally experienced are made known to us through the media. For this reason, some have given up watching the news at all. It seems all we hear is heartache and tragedy.
Although chaos surrounds us everyday, the awesome news is this: we can live in peace. You may wonder at this, but Matthew 19:26 assures us, “with God all things are possible.” Through relationship with Jesus, we are connected to God, who does the impossible.
In Romans 8:35, Paul lists some of the trouble facing early Christ followers. These men and women faced raw realization of evil most of us have never imagined facing: “hardship … persecution … famine … nakedness … danger or sword.” Paul’s encouragement was this: “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?” (vs. 31-32)
If we have given our lives to Jesus, Paul’s encouragement is for us, too. If God gave his very best in giving Jesus, why would he spare anything else? Just as He conquered death, He has overcome death in us. Though evil surrounds us, it does not consume us. In Jesus we have victory!
Reflect:
- Have you asked Jesus to forgive your sins and lead your life?
- If you are a Christ follower, can you remember a specific time you felt peace in the middle of chaos? Were you surprised at your reaction?
- As Christ followers we can rest knowing that Jesus is in control of our lives. Is there an area of your life you are holding back from Jesus and giving in to fear?
This blog was originally written by Newspring Church and appeared on their website. For more about Newspring Church, visit newspring.cc.