31 What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? 32 Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? 33 Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. 34 Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.
If God Is For Us
Who can be against us? It doesn’t mean that people wont try. They will. You will face those who oppose you. Those who reject you. Those who criticize and attack you. But when you truly grasp the words of Paul in this passage, you’ll realize that your identity is not wrapped up in what they think of you. When you catch what Paul has been trying to say since chapter one of Romans, you’ll understand that the message of the Gospel is so much deeper than we realize.
Who can be against us? When you are told you’re no good. When people call you worthless. When they look down on you because you lack their status, education, level of prestige. When you are treated as no one special. When they turn their back on you, or even worse, ignore you.
At that point, remember: God is your Abba Father. He is with you. He is for you. He tells you that you are clothed in his righteousness. He tells you that you were worth everything to him, even his own son on the cross. He tells you that you have been adopted into his family and have become a heir with Christ. He tells you that your wisdom is found in trusting God. He tells you that you are the apple of his eye. Special? You are created in his image.
If God is for us, who can be against us? God invites you to stop allowing your self image to be determined by the voices of those around you. Let go of all that nonsense and cling to him. He is with you.
Paul asks, “What can we say about such wonderful things?” And to be honest, I’m speechless. They are simply too wonderful.
My prayer: Father, you are with me. YOU are with me. How on earth can I allow those against me to be my focus when you – creator of all things, including my critics – are for me. Help me to walk in the confidence that is found in that incredible truth. You are with me. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
