*Assurance in Trials*

Romans 8:32-39

*“If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”*

We all experience hardship, and trials can shake us unless we cling to truth. Let me share three assurances to remember when troublesome circumstances arise.

1. God will always meet our needs. This doesn’t mean He provides everything we want. Instead, the Lord will bless us with all that is necessary to fulfill His purpose for our lives. His goal is to sanctify us, not simply to satisfy each immediate desire.

2. We’re never alone. God promised to be with us always (Heb. 13:5). Loneliness often accompanies hardship, so we may feel deserted or opposed by family and friends. But our Father has sent His Spirit to be with us and in us, until the day He brings us to heaven (John 14:16-17). He is all we need–our advocate, guide, helper, and comforter. Recognizing His intimate presence gives us confidence in the midst of trials.

3. God’s love is eternal. Regardless of our circumstances or poor decisions, His care is unconditional–even when He reprimands us. Loving parents allow disobedient children to experience the consequences of wrong choices; they recognize the benefit of learning from mistakes. Of course, there are also times when we are negatively affected by others’ wrong actions. Even then, God is sovereign and allows only what will bring good in His followers’ lives.

In difficult times, we can remember that God will meet all of our needs, is always with us, and loves us forever. Though Jesus said we would face troubles in this life, He offered encouragement: The ultimate victory is His. John 16:33 drums it home: *I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”*

So keep in mind that trials are fleeting, whereas our Father’s love is forever.

*Prayer* – Father give us the grace of faith that we have a blessed assurance in You. Because You are for us, no one can be against us. You will freely give us all things through Jesus Christ. Nothing can ever separate us from the love of Christ. You are our God. Our righteousness. Our Justifier Who makes us blameless. Today, may our hearts and minds be united in a holy fear of the Name of our LORD God that we will walk blameless before Him. Amen.