Pastor David’s Devotional
February 24, 2021

Romans 8:35, 37-39
35 Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will hardship, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?
37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38 For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.

This is certainly one of my favorite passages! It is one that I quote often, and it is one that I think about even more! It is a powerful affirmation by which I live my life, and especially in times of trouble or difficulty. St. Paul, who wrote the affirmation certainly knew times of trouble and difficulty. He experienced times of hardship and distress. He was persecuted for his faith in Jesus Christ. He went without food for long periods of time. He was left beaten and naked. He was shipwrecked and faced unimaginable perils. His life was threatened by sword over and over again. He knew times of trouble and difficulty. And, in the midst of such life challenges, he could affirm that none of it was able to separate him from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord:

“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39 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.”

Life is not easy—we know that. We have been living through unimaginable times. We have experienced the separation from family and friends, the inability to gather with groups of people, the loss of loved ones, battles with illness and inability to visit those closest to us while hospitalized, and much sadness and grief. We are all too acquainted with trouble and difficulty. Yet, even in times like this, we can affirm that there is a power greater than the troubles and problems of the day. God is with us, at work in our lives, sustaining us through the challenges. So, today I hold onto the love of God assured that no matter what the day may bring, God’s love is sufficient and God’s grace is enough. How about you? Remember, nothing can separate you from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord! It is a promise from God. Amen.

God bless you and stay well.
Pastor Dave