Secure From Fear In The Arms Of God

Last week we began talking about fear. We have to admit that from time-to-time fear creeps in. If we're not really sure about something we might feel a little insecure or fearful about that situation. Over the years I have seen that kind of fear or anxiety at weddings that I perform. That bride and groom are making a huge decision which will affect the rest of their lives. So, on that wedding day, you can sense a little bit of insecurity.

I have seen at times a similar insecurity about God. When people are on the verge of becoming a child of God, they might question, “Is He going to choose me? Does he really love me?” Today we will be using Romans 8 and hopefully we will see that all of our insecurity can be set aside. God spared no expense to show His love for us through Jesus. Nothing will keep us from God or the work He wants to do in our lives. Prayer.

Is there anything that you might be insecure about in your relationship with God? Are you absolutely sure that you have accepted Christ? Are you absolutely sure you will go to heaven if you died right now? Are you walking down the narrow path that Christ spoke of? I am sure there are many more questions than these when it comes to our relationship with God. In all of these questions, we must admit that we are a little insecure in that relationship.

When we come to Romans 8, Paul turned his focus to the life-giving and freeing work of the Holy Spirit. When we give our life to Christ, we need to know that we are not left alone to live for Christ. His Spirit indwells every believer to empower us to live the righteous life God calls us to live. Even when we face life's difficulties, we have the Holy Spirit with us. In all of this, Paul pointed us to the hope and security we have because of the completed work of Jesus.

Romans 8:28 – “We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”

I have heard many Christians quote this verse. It's a well-known and loved passage for many Christians because it reminds us that none of the setbacks or problems we face can thwart God's good purpose for our lives. In fact, if we look closely, we might realize that those very problems can be a part of God's way of bringing about His good purpose in us. Yes, trials make us stronger, physically, mentally, and spiritually.

That, in itself, should bring us encouragement and hope in how secure we are in our relationship to God. No matter what may come our way, no matter what curveball life is about to throw at us, God will use it for our good. This doesn't mean that every life circumstance will be good, but the Lord will bring good out of whatever situations we face.

I will never forget what my family deacon said to me years ago as I was going through many trials and tribulations in my life. He said, “Jerry, just know that whatever trial you are going through right now, God is allowing you to go through that trial because He wants you to be able to use it to help others down the road.” He was so right. And my advice to you would be the same. If you are going through a trial right now, maybe a medical condition, or a relationship problem, or a problem child, or whatever, God will use that situation to strengthen you because He plans to use you to help someone else in the future.

Verse 28 tells us this truth applies to those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. The Greek verb in the original text means those who continually love God. As we continue to seek, follow, and love the one who saves us and calls us, God can - and will - work in all things for our good and for His glory.

Note that verse 28 does not say that all circumstances will be good. It says that through those circumstances they will all work together for the good of those who love God. That tells me that as we go through life, we need to look for how God is at work for our good both in the good circumstances and in the difficult. No matter what difficulty you may be going through right now, God is bigger than that.

Romans 8:29-30 – “For those he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, so that he would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified.”