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Often times we feel like we need someone on our side. Perhaps you can remember in your youth needing help with something. Maybe you felt out numbered, weak, insecure, or just nervous. Some big bully had been picking on you and you felt you had no way out. Unfortunately, I can remember many times like that in my youth. Maybe as you got a little older and you began to see something that needs changed, but you wanted others to step up with you. Most commonly I can think of times like that at the workplace. You know the old saying they can't fire all of us. I'd remind you really they actually can. If someone else would have your back you would find the courage to move forward, but you just find yourself feeling alone. Have you ever experienced that feeling? How awesome did it feel when your friend showed up and faced the bully for you? Maybe you stood up to the boss, and unlike all the other times, someone actually stuck around to have your back. That wave of they care, relief, strength, and everything is going to be ok. It makes it even better if the one stood up mattered to them. Your friend proved himself to be bigger than the bully, and your coworker had the authority that the boss listened to him. You have a friend. What a relief.
Often times in our spiritual walk we can find ourselves in these shoes. Many times its of our own doing. Either we fell for the same old temptation and trap and walked right into this mess. Or, we feel shame in our life and don't want to bother others with our problems, so we don't allow anyone in. The Christian life can be daunting and over whelming at times. This is especially true for a young new believer. We can feel so alone in our walk with Christ. I want to remind you that feeling alone in your walk because no one would understand is a mistake. Your pastor and your church family are there to help you with these times. Even more importantly our text for today is one of my favorites for times like these. Who better to have on your side than the God of the universe? Can you imagine God on your side? Paul tells us consider the things that are said in Scripture. These things he is speaking of are these. God has always loved His people. Those that He foreknew, that is to say always loved. God created this universe to house a people that He knew and loved. The fact that we exist and the world is this amazing, beautifully created world exist is because He knew us, loved, us and provides for us. God is for us. He is on our side. He created abundantly for us. He knew us before this world existed. That means His love for us is not based on how good we are, what we do, what we believe, or what we bring to the table. We are told in Scripture this is based solely on his free will and grace. Not only did He know us, He acts on our behalf. Those He foreknew, He predestinated to be conformed in Christ image. God is on our side. He is for us. He is on our team. He stood up for us in the face of sin and death. He proved Himself bigger than that bully, because He is bigger than that bully. He predetermined that those that He loved will be changed to be like Christ for an eternity. He determined that to be the case and He saw to it that it comes to pass. He sent His son to die the perfect death. His son gave up His life to remove the sins of all God's people. How much more proof of Him being for us can we ask for? Well not only did He successfully pay for all the sins of all God's people, He also sends His Spirit to quicken all of them into a life of being able to know and love Him. He does this without missing even one of His children. That is awesome. Paul goes on to tell us that this same number of people that He loved before the world, are the same ones that is predetermined the destiny of, are the same number that He calls, justifies, and glorifies in this life. He works with us and provides for us on the day to day level. God is for us 100%. Paul says, what can we say then? If God be for us? Who can be against us? The implied answer here is NO ONE. No one is equal to God to face Him toe to toe. Paul goes on to say that there is nothing that can separate us from His love. Nothing of this world, in this world, around this world, in heaven or on earth can separate us. No one is His equal to challenge Him. When we feel alone this verse is awesome to remind us that we are never alone. God is with us! Who can stop us? That includes you and your doubts, fears, weaknesses, sins, and rebellions. God will never leave or forsake us in this life. Whom shall we fear? I hope that this verse finds a lodging place in your heart and mind. Memorize it. Study it weather it be true or not. Use it in you times of needs. There is nothing you will face alone, and there is nothing that God can't pull you through. May God bless you all is my prayer.
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