Things to Remember. . .For Us

"For Us"

   Along with His foreknowledge, we must recall our Lord's "for us" in all things.

   "If God be for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31).

     Our Heavenly Father works in accordance with our best interests, which means that He works first and foremost to exalt and reveal the Lord Jesus Christ.  We exist for such a glorious purpose, and anything that furthers the honor of Christ ultimately benefits us.  In the present dispensation, this often means challenge as well as blessedness.  How can we possibly represent a Savior who died upon a cross for the blessing of others if God exempts us from our own crosses?  Thus, to fulfill our reason for being, to glorify the Lord Jesus, God's being "for us" requires His determinations and allowances of tribulation as well as triumph.  

    "Unto you it is given it is given in behalf of Christ not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for His sake" (Philippians 1:29).

    Note that the Apostle Paul references suffering not as a burden, but as a gift.  Certainly pain, difficulty, and loss doesn't feel like a Father's devotion to His children's best interests.  Sorrow is real, tears burn our eyes, and God cares about our hurting hearts and bodies.  "Thou, o Lord, art a God full of compassion… Like as a Father pitieth His children, so the Lord pitieth them that fear Him" (Psalm 86:15; Psalm 103:13).  However, true love meets needs before it bestows fulfilled desires.  Thus, to be "for us" means that our Heavenly Father acts always in a manner that benefits, even if in the moment, His necessary actions involve a firmness of His hand and a lengthened leash of our enemies.

    We can be confident of our Lord's intentions for us.  No shadow passes through His heart and mind regarding the care of His trusting children in Christ.  He is always and forever for us.  Herein we rest our hearts and minds, refusing to allow any shadow of distrusting God's devotion to our best interests.

"I know the thoughts I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace and not evil, to give you an expected end."

(Jeremiah 29:11) 

Weekly Memory Verse

   I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed.

(Psalm 77:3)