What do we say, then, to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? – Romans 8:31 is a powerful and inspiring verse that reminds us of God’s unwavering promise to be with us in all circumstances. In it, the apostle Paul invites us to reflect on the irrefutable evidence that God is for us and, consequently, who can truly oppose us. In this study, we will explore the meaning of God being with us and how this certainty can bring us hope, confidence, strength and comfort, even in the face of the difficulties we may face. Furthermore, we will learn to share this hope with others, leading them on a journey of deliverance, salvation and victory in Christ.
The Meaning of God Is For Us
However, before we delve into the evidence of God’s presence at our side, it is essential that we understand what it means that God is for us. This expression goes beyond a simple feeling or desire, it is a powerful affirmation of divine presence and care in our lives.
God being for us implies that He is on our side as a loving and protective ally. It means that He is favorable to His children, looking out for our welfare and acting on our behalf. This truth extends from the broadest aspects of our lives to the most intimate details. God is with us in our joys and victories as well as in our sorrows and struggles.
This expression is found in other passages of the Bible that corroborate its meaning. In Isaiah 41:10 , we find an encouraging verse that states, “Do not be afraid, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my faithful right hand.” Here we clearly see the promise that God is for us, and will himself strengthen and help in our adversities.
Evidence of God’s Presence in Our Lives
Although we cannot physically see God, there are many undeniable proofs that He is always with us. One of the most tangible evidences is his Word, the Holy Bible. Through it, God reveals himself and speaks to us directly, bringing guidance and wisdom to all areas of our existence. The Bible is an inexhaustible source of hope, comfort, and strength, and it teaches us that God is for us and will never forsake us.
Another tangible proof of the divine presence in our lives is God’s providential care. He sustains us, protects us, and provides for all our needs. Jesus reminds us in Matthew 6:26, “Look at the birds of the air, which neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; and your heavenly Father feeds them. Are not you much more valuable than them?”. This passage assures us that if God cares for the birds, how much more will He care for us who are made in His image.
Furthermore, we can perceive the presence of God through His action in our lives. Many times, we are blessed with answers to our prayers, miracles and deliverances. Psalm 34:7 declares, “The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear him, and delivers them.” It shows us that God is actively involved in our lives, working for our good.
Trust in God in Troubles
Even though we know that God is for us and that He is always with us, that doesn’t mean we won’t face difficulties or challenges. In reality, the Bible warns us that we will have afflictions, but it also assures us that God will be our refuge and strength, present in difficult times. John 16:33 – “These things I have told you, so that in me you may have peace; in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world”.
Confidence in God, even in the midst of adversity, is an act of faith that demonstrates our conviction that He is sovereign and in control of all things. However, trusting God does not mean ignoring our emotions or denying the difficulties we are facing. Rather, it involves acknowledging our weaknesses and limitations, but putting our hope in the God who is able to sustain us.
In the book of Psalms , we find several examples of confidence in God expressed by its authors. Psalm 46:1-2 proclaims: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore, we will not fear even if the earth is torn apart and the mountains fall into the midst of the seas.” These words teach us to look to God for our strength and courage, even when everything around us seems unstable.
Sharing the Hope of Romans 8:31
The hope found in Romans 8:31 is so transformative that it cannot and should not be kept secret. We must share this message with the world, leading others to know God’s unconditional love and the promise of His constant presence in their lives.
Sharing that hope starts with our actions and words. When we live a life that reflects God’s love, we are living witnesses of his grace and power. 1 Peter 3:15 exhorts us to be “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts; and always be prepared to answer with meekness and fear anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that is in you.” This means that our hope must be evident enough to pique the curiosity of those around us, leading them to want to know more about our faith.
The Promise of Romans 8:31: Deliverance and Salvation
The message of Romans 8:31 is a promise of deliverance and salvation for all who believe in Jesus Christ. It assures us that with God on our side, nothing can separate us from His love and purpose for our lives. This promise extends not only to the present life, but also to eternity.
The deliverance mentioned here is not necessarily deliverance from all earthly troubles, but it is deliverance from the power of sin and eternal damnation. When we trust Christ, we are justified and reconciled to God, freed from the guilt of sin.
Salvation, in turn, is the result of this deliverance. Ephesians 2:8-9 emphasizes, “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Our salvation is a gracious gift from God, and we can enjoy that blessing through faith in Christ Jesus.
Strength and Comfort in the Midst of Trials
When we are faced with difficulties and struggles, it is natural to seek strength and comfort. The good news is that the promise of Romans 8:31 offers us just that. God’s presence in our lives gives us the strength to face any challenge that may arise.
The Bible reminds us in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that God’s grace is sufficient for us and that His power is made perfect in our weakness. “And he said to me, My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” This shows us that even when we feel weak and incapable, we can rely on the strength God gives us to overcome any obstacle.
In addition to strength, God’s presence also brings us comfort. In Psalm 23:4 , David declares, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; your staff and your staff comfort me.” These words show that even in the darkest of times, we can find comfort and peace in the presence of the Lord.
The Promise of Healing in Romans 8:31
The promise of Romans 8:31 also includes the healing dimension in our lives. While not all of our physical ailments are healed in this life, God’s presence within us can bring emotional, mental, and spiritual healing.
The Bible reports several instances where Jesus demonstrated His healing power. In Matthew 9:35 , we read that Jesus went through cities and villages healing all sorts of infirmities and diseases. These actions of Jesus not only demonstrated His compassion for people who were suffering, but also revealed His divinity as the God who heals.
Even if not all of our prayers for physical healing are answered the way we hope, we can trust that God is always there to heal us spiritually and emotionally. The apostle Peter expresses this in 1 Peter 5:7 , encouraging us to “cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.”
Victory in Christ through Romans 8:31
The last dimension of the promise of Romans 8:31 is victory in Christ. God is for us, and this truth makes us more than conquerors in all things. This victory is not based on our abilities or strength, but on the work of Christ on the cross and the power of the Holy Spirit in us.
The victory we have in Christ is not limited to specific situations; it is a comprehensive victory that extends over all areas of our lives. 1 Corinthians 15:57 tells us, “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This victory gives us confidence to face any challenge that may arise, because we know that with God by our side, nothing will stop us.
Promise of Deliverance and Salvation in Romans 8:31
In addition to the promise of victory in Christ, Romans 8:31 also assures us that God is with us in our pursuit of deliverance and salvation. Redemption is one of the main themes of the Bible, and this verse underscores that God is committed to freeing us from sin and granting us eternal salvation.
The deliverance mentioned here is not just limited to deliverance from our earthly enemies or adverse circumstances, but primarily from the spiritual bondage of sin. John 8:36 emphasizes, “ If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” The deliverance we find in Christ enables us to live an abundant life, free from the guilt and condemnation that sin brings.
Furthermore, the promise of salvation in Romans 8:31 is a call to draw near to God for reconciliation and forgiveness. Romans 10:9 declares, “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Salvation is a gift from God offered to all who believe in His Son and receive Him as Lord and Savior.
Living in Obedience to God’s Word
God’s promise to be with us in Romans 8:31 also leads us to a life of obedience to His Word. Obedience is a natural response to God’s love and care for us. When we understand how much He loves and cares for us, our desire is to please Him in all areas of our lives.
Jesus said in John 14:15 , “If you love me, keep my commandments.” These words underscore that obedience is a tangible expression of our love for God. She keeps us in tune with the divine will and keeps us away from the snares of sin that can keep us away from God’s presence.
Obedience also brings us blessings and prosperity. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 declares, “ If you will heed the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to keep all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you listen to the voice of the Lord your God.” Obedience connects us with God’s promises, and He bestows His blessings on those who follow Him.
The Importance of Communion with God and with the Brothers
The promise of Romans 8:31 is intensified when we seek intimate fellowship with God and fellow believers. Communion with God takes place through prayer, meditation on the Word and worship. It is a daily relationship, where we approach the Father in search of direction, comfort and spiritual strengthening.
In 1 John 1:7 , we are exhorted to walk in fellowship with one another: “But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son makes us cleanses from all sin.” Communion with the brothers is essential for our Christian life, as it builds us up mutually and encourages us to persevere in faith.
Fellowship with other Christians also helps us share the hope of Romans 8:31 with those who don’t yet know Christ. 1 Peter 3:15 mentions that we should always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in us. As we live in fellowship with God and with each other, our lives become living testimonies of Christ’s transforming power.
The Need for Perseverance and Faith
Finally, the promise of Romans 8:31 challenges us to persevere in faith, even in the face of adversity and difficult times. The Christian walk will not always be easy, but with God on our side, we are assured that we will never be alone.
Perseverance is intrinsically linked to faith. Hebrews 11:6 declares, “Indeed, without faith it is impossible to please God, for he who approaches God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who diligently seek him.” Faith enables us to trust God even when we don’t see immediate answers to our prayers or when we face trials.
Perseverance and faith lead us to a life of constant trust in God. Instead of being discouraged by difficulties, we can hold on to the promise of Romans 8:31 , knowing that with God on our side, we are more than conquerors in every situation.
Conclusion
The promise of Romans 8:31 is an unending source of hope, confidence, and assurance for all who believe in Jesus Christ. It assures us that God is always with us, fighting alongside us and leading us to victory in every area of our lives. This promise encourages us to trust God even in the face of difficulties, sharing that hope with the world around us.
Through that promise, we experience the deliverance and salvation that Christ offers. We find strength and comfort in the midst of trials, knowing that God is watching over us at all times. Communion with God and with our brothers and sisters strengthens us, and perseverance in faith leads us to a life of constant trust in the Father’s unconditional love.
May we daily live with the assurance that God is for us, proclaiming this message of hope and sharing the love of Christ with the world around us. May the promise of Romans 8:31 be a beacon on our journey of faith, illuminating our paths and leading us to victory in Christ Jesus. Amen.
