Paul says in Romans 8:31 – “What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?”. This is a question that we should be asking ourselves often, writes Pastor Eric Toleafoa from the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Recently our young people took part in our Global ‘Youth Week of Prayer’. This spiritual emphasis week was focussed on what God’s love ‘means’ or ‘is’… this programme was designed to equip, engage, and empower young people and the young in heart with their walk of faith and how they can experience the love of God.

The Bible tells us of God’s amazing love, that He sent His son Jesus to die for us, He gave us the Holy Spirit to be our counsellor and guide and to remind us of everything Jesus told us. In lieu of this, the question Paul reminds us about has significant implication for us as believers. Understanding the dynamics of how God feels about you will change your life. When holding this perspective in view and weighing everything else that happens against this revelation of God’s love towards us, then the rest seems unimportant.

David held this perspective throughout his entire life, he wrote in Psalms 118:6, “The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?” He wrote this in the midst of turmoil and unrest. However, he could express this because he knew God and knew that God loved him and in light of that, nothing else mattered. By just asking this question is important and so is reminding ourselves of the answer. ‘If God is for us, then who is against us?’ Who can be our foe if God is on our side?

Paul goes on in the next couple of verses to explain in how God is the one who justified us (Romans 8:33) and Jesus is the one who died for us (Romans 8:34) so in reality who can bring an accusation against us. This is so important to understand.

Unfortunately, so many people miss it. They do not understand the extent of God’s amazing love towards us. Jude 1:21 tells us to keep ourselves in the love of God … why, because by having this revelation empowers individuals to really make a difference.

It’s amazing to know that it was God who chose us and called us to be his children.

It is amazing to know that he died for us and sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for us.

It is amazing to know that nothing can separate us from His love.

Understanding this will empower you to overcome any obstacle you face. Understanding this will release you from the fear that keeps you in chains.

David said, “The LORD is my light and my salvation – whom shall, I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life – of whom shall I be afraid?” (Psalm 27:1). Paul asks the question, “What, then, shall we say in response to this?”

The Global Youth Week of Prayer provided opportunities for our young people to plan and organise acts of kindness by being the hands and feet of Jesus in their community. This also encouraged individuals to ‘Know God’ through an intimate relationship with Him, grow together with one another, and go share God’s love to others. So, when you are continually experiencing God’s amazing love, Paul in his prayer adds that “…you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.” (Ephesians 3:19 NLT)

Today, you can experience God’s amazing love and power for yourself. All it takes is a heart willing enough to accept His amazing love for us with the reassurance that nothing can or will separate us from God’s amazing love … hence Paul echoing the following statement – “If God is for us, who can be against us.”

Why not over the weekend reflect on what God has done for you, what He is currently doing in your life, and what He will continue to do for you as we move into the future!

Have a safe and blessed weekend with your families and friends … but most of all, Be Encouraged!