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Read Romans 8:31-35; 37-39
Nowhere in Scripture do we read that life is going to be easy, that faith will solve all our problems or bring us wealth and happiness, a sound marriage or obedient children. Jesus Christ did not lead a life of success, power, wealth and glory – as far as the world is concerned. Christ chose a humble life and died on the cross so that we could be sure there is nothing Christ would not do, and no place Christ would not go, to come close to us.
Separation is a real issue in human life. Even natural and joyful events like growing up or getting married mean that some things end. And that is the easy part. We know the pain of loss and grief. That is why Paul’s words in Romans are so important.
Though everything might change and all else might fail, nothing can separate us from the love of God through Christ Jesus. Jesus’ willingness to share our human life and to die a human death binds us to God in a new way. Nothing, not even death, can separate us from God’s love.
This message is excerpted from the Bible study “Crafted in Christ” by Katie Hines-Shah in the July/August 2022 Gather magazine