Key Verse: Romans 8:31 “What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?” In life we will all suffer. Sometimes that suffering comes at the hands of other people. They can physically harm us, they can ridicule us, and they can even kill us. Other times we suffer as a result of living in a fallen world. Due to the fallen state of our world we suffer with sickness, a decaying body, and even death. Even though we will certainly suffer in this life, this does not mean we should lose hope. In Romans 8 Paul reminds us of several truths we need to remember when we suffer. He reminds us that a better day is coming, when there will be no more suffering. He also reminds us that the Holy Spirit comforts us when we suffer, and then He reminds us that God is also working even when we suffer. Romans 8:31 encapsulates this when Paul says, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” Friends this perhaps the most essential verse for us to remember when we suffer. Rather we are suffering from persecution, or just suffering from sickness, surgery, or walking through the valley of the shadow of death. Our God is for us!! We have so much to be thankful for and to praise Him for even when life is difficult! I want to challenge you to memorize this verse. It’s short, but oh so powerful. If you will take this verse and hide it in your heart I am confident that the Holy Spirit will use it to encourage you as you suffer. Because nothing can separate us from God’s love and God’s plan. Remember that even when you suffer, God is with you and you have such a great hope in Him and His plan!
