“He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all….” (Romans 8:32)

We’ve all had them: those days when a bonus was promised, but bills arrived instead; times when leaky roofs, court summons, and solemn physicians showed their unexpected faces; seasons when it appeared everything was against us.

Paul the apostle could relate. His bad days more closely resembled wretched events for routine beatings, jail time, and shipwrecks were the norm. In Acts 25, we find him awaiting release after two years of being confined to prison. The first eight verses of the chapter tell us that the chief priest, the prominent men, the Jews, and the governor were all bringing charges and laying out a case “against” him.

Clearly, regardless of who assaulted him, God was his solid reinforcement. No court, king, or council could stack up enough false evidence or witnesses to shut him down. God even ensured that the powerful empire of Rome would protect Paul from all harm. This servant had kingdom work to accomplish; no one and nothing could interrupt this plan.

When Paul penned the book of Romans, he dramatically declared, “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?” (Romans 8:31)

Our unchanging God stands with us, too. He is for us in every part of the raging battle. Jesus hanging on the cross, Jesus emerging from the tomb, Jesus living within us today – these provide proof positive that God Almighty keeps his word. Who or what can possibly be against us when all of heaven is on our side?