Romans 8:18-39 (NIV)
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
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. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
What, then, shall we say in response 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, along with him, graciously give us all things? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written:
“For your sake we face death all day long;
we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Devotion
Paul says that those who have Christ for their foundation are “more than conquerors” in life and death. With this truth firmly rooted in our hearts, how then do we approach the uncertainty and fear that is gripping those around us? How do we let the light of Christ shine during difficult times?
Prayer
- Pray we the church will be all things to all people and will be compelled by the love of Christ to share.
- Pray for all those who are isolated and shut in, to be curious about Jesus and for hearts wide open to the gospel, many souls to be saved. Pray for the Lord to meet their needs and grant comfort.
- Pray for every hospital, nursing home, medical clinic – testimony of Jesus, their needs met, and souls saved.
- Pray for all leaders at every level to be protected, have wisdom and guidance, covered in prayer, unity and love to abound. Salvation.
Father, I praise You for being our all in all, King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Victorious Warrior, Savior, Messiah, Lamb of God, Redeemer and Friend. You are worthy of all praise and honor. I worship You in Spirit and in Truth. Thank You that nothing will ever separate me from Your love oh God and greater is the Holy Spirit that is in me than he (COVID-19 virus) that is in the world. I am more than a conqueror in You Christ Jesus. Thank You for the reality of being Yours now and forever. Oh Lord, so many gripped with uncertainty and fear, so many who do not know You as Lord. I ask that You would use me and Your church to meet people right where they are at. Give us hearts that will listen to them and then grant us Your Words to speak and share You Jesus Christ-the Hope of Glory. Give us praying hearts and lead us Holy Spirit. Cause us to respond with sincere hearts, being compelled by the Your Love, the love of Christ to share this peace and hope that we have. Tenderize hearts of those who don’t know You yet Lord. Open eyes, open hearts to receive You as Lord as Savior, draw them Abba I ask. Thank You Lord for the way You love, thank You for Your gentleness, long suffering and unlimited patience. Help us as Your children to allow Your light to flow in and through us I ask in the Name of Jesus Christ, amen.