If God Is For Us, Who Can Be Against Us?
When you mention the name of Jesus in your workplace, community, friendship groups and family gatherings, how do people respond?
Maybe they swiftly change the topic.
Maybe they shut down the conversation entirely.
Maybe they use it as an invitation to start a heated argument.
Or, it sparks their curiosity to ask questions prompted by genuine interest.
Wouldn’t it be great if that last response happened more often than it does?
Unfortunately, in the world we live in, we’re more likely to receive the first three.
You spoke by the Holy Spirit through the mouth of your servant, our father David: “ ‘Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed one.
Acts 4:25-26 (NIV)
As the believers prayed after Peter and John’s release, they quoted these words of David from Psalm 2:1-2. Though this was a couple thousand years ago, the very same words could be echoed today and resonate with believers across the earth.
No matter how much we demonstrate the love of Christ and desire to point others to Jesus, He (and the Church) still remain a target of disrespect. Even more so as we speak about Him. It’s like the name of Jesus has become a bad taste in people’s mouths.
The enemy has defiled what should be as sweet honey in the mouths of all mankind (created in God’s image). Rather than being upheld, Kingdom principles and righteous living are seen as judgemental, self-righteous, backward and uptight.
To be a Christian today sometimes feels like it’s us against the world. It shouldn’t feel that way. And it isn’t. Why? Because as Christ followers, it’s us for the world.
We’re for the salvation of the world.
We’re for the freedom of people in this world.
Like Jesus, our hearts are for the world.
For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.
John 3:16-17 (NIV)
We might be for the world and we might be in the world but we’re not of the world. And that can feel isolating. But we’re not alone in this. God is with us. God is for us.
What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Romans 8:31 (NIV)
If we continue reading Acts 4, as the Church prays they also recall Herod and Pilate, conspiring against Jesus with the people of Israel (verse 27). But then, look at what they say next:
They did what your power and will had decided beforehand should happen.
Acts 4:28 (NIV)
Though it seemed like everything and everyone were working against Jesus and those who followed him (are you feeling seen right now?) it was all within God’s will.
God had a bigger plan.
And His plan will always prevail as the sovereign and Almighty God. Isn’t that reassuring? To know that Jesus has power and authority over all opposition. Over all principalities and powers. That includes opposition at the government level.
And having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.
Colossians 2:15 (NIV)
Let’s look at Isaiah’s prophecy in chapter 9 of the book he authored:
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
Long before God came to earth in human form, Isaiah could see the reign of Christ over the earthly kingdom, including the governments of this world. Now, it may not look like it based on what we see in the natural – wars, corruption, oppression, overturning of God-honouring legislation – but He remains on the throne. Through it all.
We are yet to see the fullness of Christ’s authority on display here on earth. But one day, we will.
I want to leave you with a couple of scriptures from Psalms to meditate on when you feel discouraged by the opposition you see against Christ in this world:
All the ends of the earth will remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations will bow down before him, for dominion belongs to the Lord and he rules over the nations.
Psalm 22:27-28
The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it; for he founded it on the seas and established it on the waters.
Psalm 24:1-2
The earth belongs to the Lord and in the end, He will have the final say. Stand God’s Word. Let it encourage you. Allow it to fuel your prayers as you partner with Him to see His redemption plan fulfilled on earth!
Think about it
Have you felt discouraged by what you see around you, on social media or in the news? How have you responded? I encourage you to ask God what He thinks and how to respond in the moments you feel let down by the world.
Pray about it
Almighty God, You are the King of kings and the Lord of lords. But I’ll admit, sometimes I forget that when I see what’s happening in the world. Help me remember who You are and the power of the finished work of Jesus at the cross. Help me see what You see. Help me to think what You think. Teach me how to pray for the needs I see around me and come into agreement with what You’re doing in this world. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Written by Oyelola
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An inspiring and uplifting reflection on the unwavering support and love God has for us. Your words beautifully emphasize the strength and comfort found in knowing that God is always for us, regardless of the challenges we face. The way you weave scripture and personal insight together offers both encouragement and spiritual assurance. This is a thought-provoking and heartwarming piece—well done!
Thanks Retha! I’m glad this inspired and encouraged you. God is so good and faithful. His constant presence is a comfort!