ROMANS 8:37

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

TO PONDER

One thing we learn as we mature in our Christian faith and our continued study of God's word is that our triune God's actions are often not in line with normal human expectations. Jesus mixed, fellowshipped and shared meals with sinners, tax collectors and prostitutes. He healed and performed miracles on the Sabbath. He responded to ridicule from the Pharisees and even to physical abuse and torture including whipping and then crucifixion, by lovingly using God's word. 

This week we have pondered and been enlightened by the many different weapons that our Lord through His grace makes available to us as His children.

Today in Romans, we hear that God conquers through the different weapon of love. A love graciously provided to all the world and available to us to use. A love (weapon) that doesn’t overpower us like earthly weapons, but a love that transforms us and because of His love, we don’t just survive earthly trials but we are able to overcome them with spiritual strength from within. 

What a contrast to that of a soldier’s sword or another type of weapon commonly relied upon by humans. Earthly weapons that divide, hurt, wound and destroy. 

The world sadly conquers by fear with an overpowering tone to achieve what the sinful human flesh defines as victory. Christ conquers through His love – and His ultimate victory that He has won for us, becomes ours!      

PRAYER:Everlasting Conqueror. Forgive me when I refuse the weapons you have graciously made available to me and my brothers and sisters in Christ to take into my daily battles. Too often, I know I revert to sinful human weapons that wound and hurt. Help me to prepare and be ready for each daily battle through the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Thank you for Your victory over sin, won for me and all Your followers through Your love.  Amen            

Today's devotion written by Shane Burdack, LifeWay Newcastle