The Bible says, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). Take note of the last clause in this verse “for those who are called according to his purpose.” Some of us may find this hard to accept. However, we must remember God knows everything about us much more than we know ourselves.
In his commentary on Romans 8:28, Dr Charles Stanley says, “On this side of heaven we may never understand how all things can work together for good for God’s children. Though not all things we experience are in themselves helpful—some of them are very painful—we are promised that God uses everything for our benefit. Therefore, we must have faith that He will turn our failures and hardships into opportunities for spiritual growth.” (The Charles F Stanley Life Principles Bible p. 1350. NKJ version).
In writing to Christians at Rome, the apostle Paul declares: “We are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37). However, in context, Paul brings into focus that the believer is made secure in Jesus Christ. He states firstly: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” Then Paul adds, ”No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:35-37). “All things” is the key.
It is significant that Paul identifies seven adverse situations that can affect our lives if allowed to. And then he points out “For your sake we are being killed all the day long; we are regarded as sheep to be slaughtered.” This is a quotation from Psalm 44:22, which is a prayer for those who are distressed. And then Paul seems to give a resounding “No,” followed by “in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Because of the great love of Christ for us, we can rest assured that He will stand with us and for us in any circumstance life presents.
It is indeed noteworthy how Paul then goes on to state his absolute confidence in “the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” He says, “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 8:38,39). He is saying emphatically that absolutely nothing in the past, present, or future will be able to separate us from God’s love. What great confidence Paul had in God’s love. A most inspiring thought for all Christians. Glory to God!
Not because we have trusted Jesus as our Savior, does it mean that we will experience a ‘trouble-free’ life. No. The fact is, God permits difficulties, disappointments, pain, sorrow, suffering, or even persecution along the way. Let us remember that God in His love, mercy, and grace will never abandon His children. No matter the circumstances. God has pledged His Word. Nothing “will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:39). The Christian life is made secure in the Lord Jesus Christ, hence “we are more than conquerors through him who loved us” (Romans 8:37).
Charles Spurgeon explains: “So far believers have been conquerors, but the text says they have been “more than conquerors.” How is that? The word in the original is one of the apostle Paul’s strong expressions; it might be rendered, “more exceeding conquerors.” The Latin Vulgate, I think, has a word in it which means “over over-comers,” over and above conquering. For a Christian to be a conqueror is a great thing: how can he be more than a conqueror? I think in many respects, first, a Christian is better than some conquerors because the power by which he overcomes is far nobler” (C. H. Spurgeon 5.19.1867, Sermon No. 751 at The Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington).
May the absolute joy of knowing that Christians are more than conquerors through Him who loved us with an eternal love, be permanently etched in our hearts. And from this will flow worshipful praise, thanksgiving, and adoration. “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. (Jude 24,25).