The morning hadn’t started out well for me. In my distraction, I raced through my Bible reading time at breakfast, even though I happened to be in my favorite chapter, Romans 8. So I left my Bible at the table, opened it again and lunch and prayed, “Lord, speak to my heart through Your word.” And boy, did He.

Here are eight powerful truths He has to say to each one of us from Romans 8.

1

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.—Romans 8:1

Do you hear that—no condemnation! Yes, we have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), but those whose trust is in Christ alone are covered in His righteousness. God does not accuse us because He sees us through that imputed righteousness. It is the enemy of our souls who accuses us, and he shall soon be forever silenced.

2

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” – Romans 8:15

Oh, where do I even begin with this beautiful truth? We can relinquish our fears because perfect love casts out all fear (1 John 4:18). God offers us that perfect love that gives us peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7).

But He doesn’t stop there. He gives us His Spirit, which is His down payment of our inheritance (2 Corinthians 1:22; Ephesians 1:14). Through His Spirit, we can find comfort, wisdom and guidance. He is the seal over us ensuring our adoption into God’s family. As adopted children, God allows us to think of Him not just as our Father but as our Daddy, the translation of Abba. What a precious image!

3

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed to us.—Romans 8:16

Whatever you’re going through pales compared with what God has for you in eternity. This is true whether you’ve experienced death, a serious illness, financial disaster, persecution or job loss. This life is a vapor, my friends, but our reward in Him is eternal and imperishable.

4

Likewise, the Spirit also helps in our weakness. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.—Romans 8:26

Have you ever been in a situation that leaves you scratching your head about how to pray? What a wonderful assurance that the Holy Spirit, who knows the mind of God, intercedes for us, calling for God’s perfect will in whatever challenges we face. We have a mighty and tireless advocate in our Lord!

5

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.—Romans 8:28

Twice in our marriage, our homes have been flooded, causing thousands of dollars in damage and resulting in weeks of repairs. But each time, contractors were able not just to restore everything to what it was but to make it even better. That’s what God does: He cleans up our messy lives and uses our experiences to grow us in our faith and our faithfulness. Nothing is wasted. And someday, by His grace, we can use our trials to minister to others who are suffering similarly. (See 2 Corinthians 1:4.)

6

If God is for us, who can be against us?—Romans 8:31

This takes us back to Verse 1, which tells us there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus. If you are living in the Spirit and not according to the flesh, your enemies—fleshly and otherworldly—cannot bring lasting harm to you. You are forever secure in Christ. No one can snatch you out of your Father’s hand. (See John 10:28.)

7

He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?—Romans 8:32

If it is peace you need, He gives it freely. If it is comfort, you shall not lack. If it is strength, it is yours for the asking. If it is forgiveness, you can be set free from your bitterness of heart. If it is wisdom, God offers us an endless source.  Allow His grace to fill and sustain you.

8

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? . . . Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.—Romans 8:35, 38-39

Remember in your times of greatest hurt, abandonment and longing that you are not alone. You are loved with an everlasting love. Not only that but you are empowered from on high. Even if your whole world seems to be falling apart, you are strong in the Lord and secure in your Abba’s love.

Whatever you’re going through, God sees. He hears. And He is working—not just for protection in this life but perfection in the next, when our faith shall be made sight and every tear shall be tenderly wiped away by Jesus’ nail-scarred hand. I leave you with that image in your moments of greatest struggle.