Romans 8:31-32
God’s Everlasting Love
“What then shall we say 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 with Him graciously give us all things?”
Give us all things? We love this verse and especially the very last four words.
Give us all things.
What things will he give us? A house, a car, a spouse, a job, healing, money, good grades, a trip, food, clothing, shelter, a friend, peace patience, love, joy, what indeed will He give us? God tells us that He will work out things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.
Romans 8:28
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
God also says the fruits of the spirit are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, and self-control. Are these the things He will give us for they align with His purpose?
God describes other gifts He gives when He says not to worry about food, clothing, or shelter but to seek Him first then we will receive those things as well.
Matthew 6:33
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”
Is there a line in the sand or a list of sorts that God uses to determine what things he will give us? He goes on to offer us the desires of our hearts when we delight ourselves in Him. What are our desires of the heart and do they automatically change when we filter them through our delight in Christ? Even more profound, God tells us He knows what we need before we do.
Matthew 6:8
“Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
This becomes an obvious theme. God indeed will give us all things. Might they be materialistic, relational, financial, occupational? Sure, however, they will all be tied to His purpose and filtered through our love for him. When our hearts are focused on Him the things of the world lose their luster and become strangely dim. We will find that when we seek Him with all our strength, hearts, and minds that all we want to do is to please Him. God sees this and then knows what worldly things we need to provide and protect us and to bring us joy.
For some, it may be more money for God sees how generosity is one’s gift. For another, it may be a big house, for hospitality is how they serve God. It might be a high position of influence for God gifted that person with exceptional leadership skills that can influence people towards Christ. The secret is when we are aligned with God, the things we receive will have a different meaning. We will see clearly that they are God’s provision and are to be used for his Glory.
So yes – if God sacrificed his Son for us, indeed he will give us all things in order that we can further His Son’s purpose here on earth. To Glorify the Father.
Imagine God looking at two options contemplating which gift to give a person, one being a sale that will generate a large commission which the money will be used to satisfy a selfish desire, or a challenge that will draw the person closer to Himself. Which would He choose? Both are gifts. What would you do?
#JustAThought
