Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? 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 with him graciously give us all things? Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.-Romans 8:26-39
One of the ways that I learn is by writing things down, and writing things out. In every language class that I have taken, I would write out flash cards with the vocabulary words. In Math class, I would write out the formulas and go through the practice problems (again, writing them out). For history class and others that required sample essays, again, I would jot down some facts and things that I wanted to bring up. Doing this has always helped me to remember information, and to learn. Another way that I have incorporated this trait is into my faith life.
In the beginning and at the end of most Bibles are, typically, blank pages. Through the years, when I would find a Bible verse that I like, I would write it down on those blank pages to make a quick reference of verses, as well as to help me learn them. The opening and ending pages of my Bible are filled with Bible verses that I have liked over the years.
One day, when thumbing through those opening pages, I noticed a trend. A lot of passages were from Romans 8. A lot of them. Once I noticed that, I looked through those pages and realized that I had most of that chapter written in there. Safe to say, it is one of my favorites!
It is a chapter for any time and any place, especially, now. For most of us, our lives are in extreme flux right now and face great uncertainties. Paul says in Roman 8, “Take a breath, it will be okay.” Why? Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. Not tribulation. Not distress, persecution, famine, danger, nakedness, or sword. Nothing in creation can as well. We are more than conquerors through Him Who loved and gave Himself up for us.
We can also take heart that our God does all things for our good, and will do so during this time. Good can and will come from this. Here are some that I have already noticed.
- New opportunities for the Gospel: this event has prompted many churches in finding new ways to share the Gospel message (like streaming, recording services, etc.). Hopefully they will continue in addition to meeting in person in the future.
- New opportunities for growth: With things like sports, social opportunities, social gatherings, restaurants, activities, classes, etc., canceled or closed, our lives have suddenly opened up. Can you use this time to grow in your faith life? Can you use some of the extra time to read God’s Word more, study a devotion, or pray? Can this extra time help you get more into the season of Lent and its disciplines, such as fasting, repentance, and prayer? Might this be a good time to start family devotions, or to begin and/or end your day in prayer? Use this extra time and get creative!
- New opportunities for good: This pandemic has created an excellent opportunity to serve and help our neighbor. Is there someone on your block that might need a hand? Some have helpfully suggested to call five people each day to check-in on them. Since people cannot go out, people will be lonelier than ever. Maybe this could be a great time to call that person you have been meaning to in order to just say a simple “hi.” Also, with children or grandchild being home from school for an extended time, or others being off for an extended period of time, can you use this opportunity to spend time with some people that you normally wouldn’t be able to?
As we go through this challenging and trying time: take heart! We have a God that nothing can separate us from, and a God Who will do all things for our good in Christ Jesus.
Pastor Kooi
(Originally published in Emmaus Footprints, Vol. XXI, Number 9, April 2020)