Absolutely Nothing
by Judith Whitehead
Recently I have been reading and re-reading Romans 8:31-39 in the NLT version, and it has been a huge blessing, as I realised these verses really encapsulate the whole of the gospel message. Whichever version of the bible you may choose to read these verses from, I’m sure it will inspire you, as you read them slowly, and perhaps even read them out loud.
This portion of Scripture really covers everything that we could ever list as possible reasons why we could ever be separated from Christ’s love, yet at the same time it reassures us that none of these things can ever do so.
I have to admit that I do struggle at times to believe I am still loved by God. These are the times when I “mess up” by getting irritable or impatient with others, lose my temper, times when I act selfishly, wanting my own way rather than considering another person`s wishes, times when I feel angry towards someone who has upset me, then struggle with unforgiveness, times when I “chicken out” and fail to speak up and tell others about the salvation that is available to them through the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Then there’s the times I would prefer to relax and watch something on TV rather than read my bible or spend time in prayer, and I begin to feel indifferent to what I know should be my priority in life, which is to put Jesus first in everything. That’s when the enemy “comes in like a flood” and tells me “That’s it. You’ve gone too far, and God has given up on you. So, why bother trying?” I think to myself, “How on earth can God still love me when I let Him down so often?”
How incredibly reassuring it is to read and absorb the truths of these wonderful verses in Romans 8! The amazing thing is God does still love me, despite all these things. However, this is by no means an excuse to dismiss my sin by adopting the attitude, “Well God loves me anyway, so I can continue living my life as I please”. This sort of attitude is certainly not true repentance. There needs to be a sincere desire not to sin and to ask God’s forgiveness when the old sinful nature seeks to gain control again and I end up doing things that dishonour the Lord, who gave His life for me.
Maybe you can identify with some of these issues in your own life, and like me you sometimes feel uncertain about God’s love for you. Can I encourage you to read Romans 8:31-39 through several times, in your preferred bible version? As you do so, may you be truly blessed and reassured, as I was.
Prayer: Thank You, Lord, that You love me for who I am and not for what I do, or don’t do. Even when I don’t feel loved by You, the fact is You do still love me so much more than I can ever comprehend. And nothing, absolutely nothing, can ever separate me from Your amazing love and grace, which I have done nothing to deserve. Amen.
Judith Whitehead Judith is married to Dougie and they have one son. Judith loves spending time with her family, including two gorgeous grandchildren and being outdoors walking in the countryside. Judith lives locally to Ellel Grange and is a part of the creativity team at Ellel Grange. Judith has a deep desire to encourage others and to help believers and unbelievers come to a place of knowing God personally and deeply for themselves.
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