Don’t Mourn Providence
Romans 8:35-37 “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.”
As believers we must always remember: we are going to suffer while we are in this world. In fact, the world is going to count us as sheep for the slaughter, rejecting and persecuting them (Ps. 44:22). The world is going to persecute believers as long as believers continue to live for Christ. Our lives of godliness convict the world, and the world rejects godliness.
However, note what is said. No matter the circumstances, we are more than conquerors through Christ who has loved us. No matter the circumstances and their severity, Christ will carry us through all, strengthening and encouraging us. We cannot lose, no matter the severity of the situation. We cannot mourn God’s providence in life. Christ loves us and is going to look after and take care of us. The believer can rest assured, Christ delivers him from the severest circumstances:
⇒ Christ meets all the material necessities of life.
Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. (Mt. 6:31, 33).
⇒ Christ gives us rest.
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. (Mt. 11:28).
⇒ Christ gives us peace.
Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. (Jn. 14:27).
I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (Jn. 16:33).
⇒ Christ provides an escape from temptation.
No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. (1 Co. 10:13)
⇒ Christ comforts us through all trials.
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. (2 Co. 1:3–4)
⇒ Christ supplies all our needs.
I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Ph. 4:13)
⇒ Christ delivers us through persecution.
Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted. (He. 12:3)
Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. (1 Pe. 4:12–13)
⇒ Christ delivers us into His very presence, giving us eternal life if we are martyred.
The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. (2 Ti. 4:18)
The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with my Father on his throne. (Re. 3:21)
⇒ Christ cares for us no matter the situation.
casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you. (1 Pe. 5:7)
⇒ Christ enables us to overcome the world.
For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world—our faith. (1 Jn. 5:4)
⇒ Christ shows Himself strong in our behalf.
For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to give strong support to those whose heart is blameless toward him. You have done foolishly in this, for from now on you will have wars.” (2 Chr. 16:9)
⇒ Christ delivers us from fear.
fear not, 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 righteous right hand. (Is. 41:10)
⇒ Christ sustains and supports the aged believer.
even to your old age I am he, and to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save. (Is. 46:4)
Scripture declares loudly and clearly that God does love believers. There is absolutely nothing—no matter how dark and depressing, no matter how severe—that can separate the believer from the love of Christ. Circumstances are not evidence that God does not love us. God loves us no matter what the circumstances may be.
Don’t mourn God’s providence in your life. Refuse to allow tough times and difficult circumstances to affect your pursuit to glorify God by enjoying Him forever. Exhibit joyful persistence in all of life.
