Romans 8:31-39;Psalm 109:21-22,26-27,30-31;Luke 13:31-35
http://www.usccb.org/bible/reflections/
“If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31)
Paul certainly had to deal with more than his fair share of hardships. But no matter what he faced—be it a shipwreck, imprisonment, a mob attack, or a public scourging—he always managed to hold on to his sense of contentment and, at times, even joy. How on earth did he do it?
Not by earthly means, that’s how! Paul was able to remain peaceful because he kept his eyes fixed on Jesus and on his own witness of joy and peace. Just look at today’s Gospel reading, and you’ll see one example of the stories that inspired Paul and all the apostles. Jesus is warned that Herod is after him, but it doesn’t deter Jesus from preaching and teaching and healing. He knows what God has called him to do, and he trusts that his Father will take care of him no matter what.
It’s this kind of trust in God’s goodness and provision that sustained Paul. And it can sustain us as well. God is for all of us! He is on our side! His plan and his power are so much bigger than the challenges we may be facing right now, whether it be a financial hardship, a wounded relationship, or a sudden illness.
But how do we get to this point of trust in the Lord? How can we be so sure that God is for us? The answer is simple, and it’s something we can never emphasize enough— through prayer. Every day, we need to refresh ourselves by resting in God’s presence, immersing ourselves in his word, and soaking in the Holy Spirit. All it takes is twenty minutes a day, and we will find ourselves more trusting, more peaceful, and less anxious when tough times come our way.
There is no substitute for daily prayer. Even when life is going well, we need to touch the presence of God so that we don’t wander away from him. Our Father wants to give us so many good gifts, not just help us in tough times. He wants to convince us every day that he is for us, and that nothing can overcome us if we are rooted in him!
“Jesus, I place my hope in your words and your ways. Help me stay close to you in good times and in bad times.” ~WAU
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