Becoming Truly More than a Conqueror

Scripture: No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. Romans 8:37

Observation: Paul asks seven questions, some rhetorical and expounded upon by other questions, but he is making his great point here. The core question is this - Can anyone really defeat believers? He wonders who can be against us when we have such a powerful and giving God. He wonders who can condemn us, who can separate us from God's love, who can bring trouble and hardships on us, and who can endanger us.

And this is the answer ... no one. Nothing anyone does can separate us from the love of God, and from the blessing of his salvation, through our faith in - and the love of - Jesus Christ.

Application: I am tired of dwelling on the circumstances of the past year, and actively seeking peace and joy for my future. It is clear from Paul that to do this I need to really know and understand two things. First, the world CAN, in fact, threaten us. The evil world - and those doing the bidding of the world - can threaten our livelihood, health, and very lives. Paul knew this ... he was in chains being taken to Rome for trial when he wrote this!

However, the second point is that this doesn't matter. All that matters is my relationship with God, found through my Lord Jesus Christ. With this, all else is SO secondary in importance that it really isn't to be considered as part of life at all. The only thing is life that matters is the love and joy, grace, mercy, judgment, and blessing of God. This is the only source of peace and joy, and all else is simply the useless world.

This is where and when I will find joy ... when I turn my full attention to the Lord, and turn away from all aspects of earthly existence. I need to ignore human judgment, human values, and earthly definitions of success and happiness.

I am approaching this. When I find this, I will be more than a conqueror, as Paul indicates. I will fully take my place as a truly adopted son.

Prayer: Lord, it is to you I look, this day and every day. May I fully set aside all earthly perspectives, and fully embrace your kingdom, your guidance, and your precepts. Amen.