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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? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. (Romans 8:31-34)

          If God is for us, who can be against us? The world, the flesh, and the devil, that’s who. Or, at least, the devil, since the other two are more “what” than “who.” In fact, they not only can be, they are. However, if God is for us, ultimately, what does it matter who or what is against us? It might seem like a big deal to us now, but God is God. There’s no question about who wins in the end. I know, it always feels like it matters.
         He who did not spare is own Son…how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? So why aren’t I living in a mansion, driving a fancy car, hiring personal coaches and secretaries? A verse comes to mind: “Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4) If you are delighting in the Lord, what is the desire of your heart? The Lord. He gives Himself, which is more than all those lesser things that we desire. When God gives “all things” is not the first and foremost – the only thing that matters – God, Himself? How quickly do we think, “Uh, God, I was really hoping for the mansion and at least the secretaries”?
         Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? The adversary, the devil will bring charges. That’s his self-appointed role. There may be others, including ourselves, but not God. God is the judge. He doesn’t bring charges, He rules on those charges. God isn’t the one who condemns. He is the one who justifies. Jesus stands as our defense attorney and our kinsman redeemer. We stand condemned because we are guilty, but He has already paid the price to redeem us. It doesn’t matter who brings the charge, or what the charge is, if He is our defense attorney and kinsman redeemer, it’s covered.

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