No Matter What, God Is There
We are not meant to feel isolated.
In Romans 8:38-39, God promises that nothing can separate us from His presence.
My wife, Karin, and I had the privilege of being a part of the CLA missions team to Tanzania this past summer. I have been on many missions trips over the years; however, this was the first time that she and I were able to participate together.
There is something that happens when you leave the comforts of home to serve others; when you temporarily walk away from the things that help you to feel secure and have a sense of well-being; when you put yourself “out there.” There is a vulnerability when you are away from the things that help you feel safe and loved.
As I reflect on this perspective, I am reminded that we all tend to gravitate back to that place of security – of home – the place we belong. The place where we feel the love of family and friends. God never meant for us to feel isolated.
The Bible tells us in I Peter 5:8 that the enemy of our souls, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. What a word picture! Can you imagine being somewhere without any protection, knowing that there is a hungry lion seeking you as prey?
After a week of working in a medical clinic in Tanzania, we spent a few hours on a safari. It was my first time being out in open space with dangerous animals. Toward the end of our tour, the tire on our jeep fell off and was rolling next to us. We came to an immediate stop out in the middle of this animal reserve.
As our guide was assessing any potential damage to the vehicle, I started walking down the road to see if I could find any of the lug nuts that fell off (I found two!). After distancing myself from the group as I was searching for the illusive lug nuts, I realized that I was in an unprotected area with wild animals. I was separating myself from the safety of others. I felt a quick chill run down my spine when I realized this and hurriedly walked back to the jeep. Unharmed. Safe.
I can’t imagine being in a place where I would regularly feel unprotected, vulnerable, separated. I know there are people in this world who aren’t as fortunate, who don’t have many of the comforts and securities that I enjoy.
But I thank God for His promise that, no matter where I go or what I do, nothing can separate me from His love. Nothing. If I cross the oceans, He is there. If I am in the middle of the valley, He is there. If I climb the highest mountain or dive deep into the sea, He is there. Nothing can separate me from the love, protection, safety, comfort and blessings of God!
My wife, Karin, and I had the privilege of being a part of the CLA missions team to Tanzania this past summer. I have been on many missions trips over the years; however, this was the first time that she and I were able to participate together.
There is something that happens when you leave the comforts of home to serve others; when you temporarily walk away from the things that help you to feel secure and have a sense of well-being; when you put yourself “out there.” There is a vulnerability when you are away from the things that help you feel safe and loved.
As I reflect on this perspective, I am reminded that we all tend to gravitate back to that place of security – of home – the place we belong. The place where we feel the love of family and friends. God never meant for us to feel isolated.
The Bible tells us in I Peter 5:8 that the enemy of our souls, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. What a word picture! Can you imagine being somewhere without any protection, knowing that there is a hungry lion seeking you as prey?
After a week of working in a medical clinic in Tanzania, we spent a few hours on a safari. It was my first time being out in open space with dangerous animals. Toward the end of our tour, the tire on our jeep fell off and was rolling next to us. We came to an immediate stop out in the middle of this animal reserve.
As our guide was assessing any potential damage to the vehicle, I started walking down the road to see if I could find any of the lug nuts that fell off (I found two!). After distancing myself from the group as I was searching for the illusive lug nuts, I realized that I was in an unprotected area with wild animals. I was separating myself from the safety of others. I felt a quick chill run down my spine when I realized this and hurriedly walked back to the jeep. Unharmed. Safe.
I can’t imagine being in a place where I would regularly feel unprotected, vulnerable, separated. I know there are people in this world who aren’t as fortunate, who don’t have many of the comforts and securities that I enjoy.
But I thank God for His promise that, no matter where I go or what I do, nothing can separate me from His love. Nothing. If I cross the oceans, He is there. If I am in the middle of the valley, He is there. If I climb the highest mountain or dive deep into the sea, He is there. Nothing can separate me from the love, protection, safety, comfort and blessings of God!
Verse to Memorize
“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.” (Romans 8:38-39)
Pursue the Promises
Throughout 2024, every Monday morning by 7:00 AM, we will post a new video from Pastor Shane or an article written by a member of our staff that connects to that month's featured promise. Learn more.
Posted in Nothing Can Separate Us From God, Pursue the Promises
Posted in Protection, Loneliness, Faithfulness
Posted in Protection, Loneliness, Faithfulness
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