Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
— Romans 8:35-39

~~~~~

Nothing
By Jennifer Kane

Trouble? I’ve faced it before, and as I live, more shall come.
But nothing.
Hardship? Yes, the stormy weather in my ship of life has squalled before.
But nothing.
Persecution?
Like an army of ants—felt in the sting, unseen until then.
But nothing.
Famine?
I’ve been blessed to avoid it, though others less fortunate have known it.
But nothing.
I have faced dangers,
Life threatened by mishap or accident.
But nothing.

Whether my Death—
Or the distractions of Life—
Nothing.

Beyond the visible and into the unseen,
Not Angels in all their radiance,
Nor Demons cloaked in their own light,
Not the present, not the future,
No Height,
No Depth,
Not even my doubts,
My weaknesses,
My Failures, mistakes,
Separation from others,
Little fears or towering ones,
The vast unknown,
Not anything in all creation—

Nothing—physical, spiritual, or conceptual—
Has the power to come between God’s love and me.

~~~~~

Scriptures: Romans 8:35-39

As believers, the security of God’s love gives us an unshakeable foundation. Paul’s words remind us that no one can bring a charge against us when God, the ultimate judge, has declared us “not guilty.” In His court, we stand justified, not because of our actions, but because of Christ’s sacrifice and intercession on our behalf.

Who Shall Condemn Us? When accusations arise, whether from our own minds, others, or spiritual forces, we remember that Jesus is our advocate. The One who died and rose for us actively promotes our well-being before the Father. With such a mighty defender, all condemnation falls powerless.

More “more than conquerors” means that through Christ’s love, we rise above every hardship, not just surviving but overcoming in a way that transforms us. This victory isn’t in our own strength but in the power of Jesus. It is a victory rooted in love, a love that doesn’t fade with difficulty but grows deeper.

Consider how God calls us to conquer—not by seeking revenge or dominance, but by showing patience and extending grace even to those who oppose us. This is the love that enables us to withstand trials with confidence, knowing that nothing, not even death, can pull us away from God’s grasp. When we face famine or need, God provides; when we face “the sword” or threats, we endure with courage in His presence.

Paul ends with an unshakable truth: “Nor any other created thing shall be able to separate us from the love of God.” Remember that Nothing. Nothing. There is no power in the universe, no hardship, and no sin that can diminish God’s love for us. We are secure, surrounded by His grace. In this love, we find peace, strength, and hope that lasts beyond this life.

Reflect today on any area in your life where fear or doubt may creep in. Remind yourself that, in Christ, you are more than a conqueror, and absolutely NOTHING can separate you from God’s love. Let this truth deepen your faith and empower you to love others with the same confidence and compassion.

~~~~~

Heavenly Father, thank You for the assurance of Your unbreakable love. And the assurance of “Nothing”. So when doubts or accusations rise against me, even if its in my own mind, please remind me that You have declared me “not guilty” and that Jesus is my advocate. Help me to rest in the security of Your love, knowing that nothing in this world can separate me from You.

Lord, give me strength to face trials with the heart of a conqueror, empowered by the love of Christ. Teach me to love even those who don’t, to endure with patience, and to seek Your glory in every battle I face. Thank You for the hope and peace that Your love brings. I trust that no matter what comes, I am held securely in Your arms.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

November 10 2024