I Remain Convinced

 "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." Romans 8: 37-39

    Forty-five years ago, I was married the first time. In love, I moved fourteen hundred miles away and, at age 19 plunged into a world where I was convinced our spousal love for one another was enough, all I ever needed.

    It only took a few years for all that to be unraveled. Truth is, I'd built my house on sand.

    Had God stopped loving me, too?

    One troubled day when home alone, I opened my Bible where the Holy Spirit guided me to the crown jewel of scripture: Romans chapter eight. Here I learned what true love looks like:

"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?"

Romans 8: 31-32

    As I read these same glorious words today, at age 64, I cried tears of joy because my life has become living proof of the truth of God's word. Let me show you:

    Has death separated me from God? When my mom died, I wondered how I would ever get past that, yet God never left my side. He soothed my ache and brought me to a place of improved confidence in my walk with Him. (Psalm 116:15)

    Has life separated me? No, nothing in life, except for my own waywardness, has built a wall between my God and me. He has even gifted me with two grandchildren. May I pass this truth on to this next generation.

    Have angels or demons driven us apart? No. I recall the frightful time I saw an evil form at the foot of my bed. When I called out to God, he banished my fear saying, "Greater is He that is in me than He that is in the world." (1 John 4:4) He delivers me from evil.

    What about the present or the future? Will God ever leave me? How can I know for sure? The Good Shepherd, who knows me by name, has promised to never let go of my hand. He has sealed me with His Holy Spirit; that is my guarantee. (Ephesians 1: 13-14)

    Should I fear the powers in the world? On 9/11 it seemed our world was coming to a violent end. I had laid prostrate on my living room floor, crying out, "God, help us!" He was in the midst of it, sending helpers to restore order, rescue others and provide comfort.

    Is there anything else in all creation that He hasn't conquered for me, His child? Since even the grave has released its bony grip when Christ arose, I need not fear the worst. To be apart from the body means I am in the arms of my Savior. (2 Corinthians 5:8)

    God has restored my home, so when all the storms of life batter against me, I remain convinced that on Christ the Solid Rock I'll stand for all eternity. He's all I've ever needed.