Victory in Jesus

“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” (Rom. 8:18 ESV)

It feels very unfair sometimes

It can be discouraging to watch bad things happen to good people and, at the same time, watch good things happen to wicked people. This is not a new concern. Psalm 73 tells how Asaph complained when he saw the prosperity of the wicked while he himself struggled so hard to stay pure. He said, “Did I keep my heart pure for nothing? Did I keep myself innocent for no reason?” (Psalm 73:13). But he went into the sanctuary of God, meditated on their eventual fate, and said, “Then I realized that my heart was bitter, and I was all torn up inside. I was so foolish and ignorant — I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you. Yet I still belong to you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, leading me to a glorious destiny. Whom have I in heaven but you? I desire you more than anything on earth. My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever. Those who desert him will perish, for you destroy those who abandon you. But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.”

Victory is sure!

“Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.” No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.” (Rom. 8:35-37 NLT)

Therefore

Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble.” And that’s certainly true! But He followed that statement with a wonderful promise, “But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).

“And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39 ESV)