More Than Conquerors
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8.37-39).
Today’s article contains two issues concerning our ongoing pandemic. First, it is a reminder of God’s promise that we are more than conquerors. Second, it is a challenge to consider whether your household can understand, process, and function through a godly perspective, or worldview.
First, please reflect on Paul’s words from Romans (written above) once again. If necessary, do it a third, fourth, or fifth time. It is a needed reminder during all times, but especially difficult times. For context, open your Bibles and read the previous two verses. Paul asks a question. “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ?” From the English Standard Version, Paul notes three timely examples to illustrate his point. Shall DISTRESS, TRIBULATION, or DANGER separate us from the love of Christ?
Please allow me to be very clear on Paul’s writings. He didn’t say these situations were easy. We know things can be extremely difficult and heartbreaking. Instead, he hoped these Christians would remember that the love of Christ had not left them even as they endured these tragedies. And His love has not left us today either.
Second, are you processing this through a biblical lens, or worldview? There are endless ideas relating to God about our current pandemic. On the internet, I commonly read about how it is God who has done this to call us back to repentance. I also commonly read about how we can just repent, and He will lift this curse from us. I plead with you to BE VERY CAREFUL before you ascribe an action directly to God. What if I made a claim that God did _____________, but I was wrong? How does that portray God to unbelievers? Also, do you like it when somebody says you did something that you didn’t do?
I commonly see quotations from the Old Testament that are portrayed specifically to our circumstances today. Be very careful before you do that. God worked with Israel in ways that were unique to Israel. He clearly and directly told THEM what would happen if they did not follow His law. Then, when they transgressed, He did exactly what He previously told them he would do. The nation of Israel is a great pattern for many things. However, God has not told any other nation or the world what He would specifically do if we acted against Him in a specific way. Does the Bible encourage us to put EVERY natural disaster squarely on the vengeance and judgement of God? No, it doesn’t allow us to directly indict Him for everything that happens. That’s not how the bible illustrates His sovereignty.
The truth is that we don’t have to understand everything about the world. We don’t need another global flood to understand how God feels about sin. He gave us the cross for that. It’s okay that God has not spelled out to us in specific detail all that He would do or allow. Instead, He provided every necessary tool to deal all the difficulties of a temporary world that is filled with sin.
The words of James are a good reminder for us. “…yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4.14-15). It’s okay to admit that things of this world are frightening and difficult. After all, we are not made to carry the burden of the entire world. Only God can do that.
Are you processing all of this through an accurate biblical lens? Are you teaching it to your children if they are old enough to understand? Chances are good that they are searching for answers. God gave them parents to help with their understanding. As always, I am here to help you if you would like to further discuss this. – Rob Berghorst