“The cross stands as a powerful monument for every sufferer that God will go to any length necessary to deliver his children the things they need.”- Paul David Tripp
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all — how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?”- Romans 8:31-32 (NIV)
Paul David Tripp concludes Chapter 9 of Suffering as he discusses providing grace and inseparable grace.
4. Providing Grace. Pastor Tripp stresses that he loves the logic and hope Romans 8:31-32 gives to anyone whose life has been touched, troubled, or even permanently altered by this broken world. Because, as God’s child, He provides everything you need. And this isn’t a wish and a hope. Rather, it’s a statement of fact. While you may be confused about what you need in your situation, your Lord is not. Since the Lord knows exactly what you need, He will provide “all things.”
5. Inseparable Grace. Finally, Pastor Tripp notes, Romans 8:38-39 ends with what he terms a glorious grace crescendo. In verses 38-39, the apostle Paul declares that nothing possesses the power to separate us from the grace of God’s eternal, life-giving love. Furthermore, we all long to be loved, especially on our bad days, when we’re unable to fully love in return because our suffering has rendered us self-focused.
In conclusion, Pastor Tripp offers these words of encouragement:
“If you are God’s child, you carry the full meaning of that identity with you, no matter how hard life is and no matter how weak you feel. Your identity is not the result of your circumstances or your achievements: it’s a gift of God’s grace. You didn’t earn it, and there’s nothing you can do to lose it.”
Today’s question: How does the cross stand as a powerful monument in your life? Please share.
Tomorrow’s blog: “God’s loving presence – the ultimate gift of gifts”
