Day 16: Thursday. March 16th, 2017

Mar 16, 2017 | by Congregation Members | series: Lenten Devotionals 2017

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Day 16: Thursday, March 16, 2017 Romans 8:26-39

Promises of God

I love the promises of God found in the Bible. They were a huge source of strength to me when we were told our little girl would never be a “normal” little girl. When they could not tell us what ours and Sarah’s future would be Tim was at the 18-year mark in his career in the Army and was told he could get out of the Army or stay in Germany while I lived in Colorado with our son and daughter. Tim had to stay in the Army for the medical care Sarah needed, and I suddenly became the sole caregiver. Later in life I was the caregiver for my mother. Romans chapter eight is one of my favorite chapters in the Bible. I think this is true for many Christians. I especially like verses 26-39.

When I was caring for my mother I often felt very overwhelmed by my mother’s continual decline in her body. I remember feeling so overwhelmed when caring for Sarah all those years ago. At times like this it is often difficult to know even how to pray. Romans chapter 8 verse 26 reminds us that at times like this the Holy Spirit prays for us if we are children of God. God understands our weaknesses, and He has provided us a helper in the form of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit prays in and through us. He prays for us especially during those times when we are too overwhelmed with heartache to find the right words to express our pain to God in prayer. The Holy Spirit understands our sorrows and is our prayer helper before the Heavenly Father.

The Lord has also promised in Romans chapter 8 that in all things He works for our good, if we love Him. This does not mean that we like everything He allows in our lives. It does not mean that everything in our lives goes according to our preconceived agenda. Yet somehow God works all things-the good and bad-for our ultimate good.

It was difficult for me to see that when I was caring for our daughter and later my mother. Yet resting in the truths spoken of in Romans 8 has been a huge source of strength and comfort to me especially these past years. Yet another blessed truth found in Romans chapter 8 is in the last verses of that chapter. In those verses we are told that nothing, absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God, if we are His child. As a family caregiver I often felt afraid of what the future held. Yet God’s promise that nothing would or will separate us from His love as His child was and continues to be a huge source of comfort and peace to me. It can be to you as well.

Prayer: Lord, help us to always look to You for comfort and support in our times of sorrow. Be with us as we struggle to understand Your will and to understand that You are always there for us and with us. In Your name, Amen.

Contributed by Laura Winckel