Nothing Can Separate Us from God - The Crosswalk Devotional - May 20
Nothing Can Separate Us from God
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“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?” (Romans 8:33-35).
Romans 8 is one of my favorite chapters of the Bible because it speaks to God’s love for us. Whenever I'm struggling to know my worth, I turn to Romans 8, and it helps me feel more optimistic. There is power in the Word of God, and it can change our entire lives. However, these changes will not occur unless we read the Bible every day.
This is why it is important for us to spend time in the Word daily. It is not enough to only listen to the Bible on Sunday mornings. Having a relationship with Jesus means we study the Bible each day, talk with Him in prayer, and apply His teachings in our lives. By doing these things, Christ will disciple us, and we will grow in our relationship with Him.
Over the past year, I have often wondered whether God truly loves me. I see everyone else living joyful lives while I am struggling every day. My brain reasons that if God did love and care about me, I would be in a better situation than I am right now. I wouldn't have numerous medical health issues, mental health struggles, financial issues, or constant worries about the future. Once I sat down and surrendered everything to the Lord, I was led once again back to Romans 8. This chapter brought me back to a true understanding of God and who He is, rather than what my brain had created Him to be. God is not picking on me, nor is He causing these terrible things to happen. Instead, all the issues I'm having are just part of living in a fallen world.
Rather than believing the lie that life will always be full of pain, grief, and sorrow, God has helped me to see that better things are coming. Even if these things don't happen overnight, they will come in the future.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Apostle Paul tells us, “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?” (Romans 8:33-35).
Paul tells us plainly in this passage that God is the One who justifies, and nobody can condemn us because we belong to Him. Jesus died for us to live, and He is constantly interceding for us. Nothing in all creation or any trouble can separate us from the love of Christ. Paul mentions that hardship, persecution, famine, nakedness, danger, and sword will not separate us from the love of Christ.
This tells us that our present season of suffering does not separate us from the love of Christ. Our physical illnesses, mental illnesses, and life challenges are nothing compared to the love of God. God knows these struggles exist in this world, but He will never leave us to face them alone. We are always on God’s mind, and He is always surrounding us with His love, care, and protection. Try to start noticing the little ways His love is shining through in your life.
Have you ever felt your troubles have separated you from God? Why did you think this?
How does it feel to know that nothing can separate us from the love of God?
What are some ways you remind yourself of God’s love when times are hard?
Further Reading:
Romans 8:36-39
Psalm 23:1-6
Psalm 86:15
Join the conversation! Share how today’s devotional encouraged or challenged you in your walk with Christ.
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Orla
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