Romans 8 is filled with hallmark verses of my faith in Christ. Paul has written such hope-filled words.
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death.
This was such good news to the believers Paul was addressing. They had lived their lives trying to follow the Law—which was impossible to keep. It must have been such a sense of relief to be set free from generations of living under the law of sin and death. Grace has come to set us free. I know the shame from my past held me in a place of bondage for so many years. These verses were key to my recovery. Knowing that I am not condemned in the eyes of Jesus, well that set me free! Knowing he loves me just as I am, that he has forgiven my sins, and has given me life through the Holy Spirit made all the difference.
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
I sometimes need to remind myself that what is happening now, whatever trial I’ve walked through or will walk through, is temporary.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our heartsknows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedesfor God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, whohave been calledaccording to his purpose.
God has a purpose for everything. Walking through trials or experiencing times in the desert when I’ve not heard from him and can’t understand what he’s doing have led to some pretty emotional bouts of wrestling with God. When I am able to look back from the other side, I can see how God changed me. I can see there was good. Even when I haven’t been able to see it, he’s taught me to trust his plans, his ways of doing things, and that he’s sovereign.
31 What, then, shall we say in response 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, along with him, graciously give us all things?
I can rest in peace knowing God is for me. He does nothing that would harm me, it is all for my good. That belief comes from walking daily with him, having fellowship and communion with him, and letting his words take root in my heart.
38 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of Godthat is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Knowing God loves me and that nothing can change that makes trusting him possible. He has taught me trust comes with time and consistency. He is constant, never changes, and has all the time in the world for me. Without this heart knowledge, I would never have been able to believe verse 1: “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
7 Lift up your heads, you gates;
be lifted up, you ancient doors,
that the King(of glory may come in.
8 Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty,
the Lord mighty in battle.
9 Lift up your heads, you gates;
lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in.
10 Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—
he is the King of glory. (Ps 24:7-10) NIV
6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord
Forever. (Ps. 23:6) NKJV
Heavenly Father, I am so thankful for grace. Your presence in my life keeps me going no matter what obstacles have come my way. There are times you made me go deeper to find you, but your word says when I come and pray to you, you will listen and when I seek you with all my heart I will find you. You have never let me down. Thank you for being constant. In Jesus name. Amen
Cindy (gardnlady)
Sixty-six books in a year 