God’s Promise and Scripture

God’s Promise: Nothing can separate us from the love of God 

Scripture: For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:38-39)

Devotional

Growing up in a Christian family in Taiwan—where believers make up only about 3% of the population—was a unique blessing. My parents' love for Jesus taught me to trust God's Word and cling to His promises. From the third to ninth grades, I struggled with peer relationships. I was often bullied and felt continually isolated at school. Although my parents couldn't solve my problems, they encouraged me to memorize Scripture, to follow His way, and to see how God would lead me in these difficult situations. Amazingly, God gave me the wisdom to study and eventually led me to a prestigious high school and a fresh start. Through this experience, I realized that the love of God in Jesus for me is true, unchanging, and cannot be taken away. In my tenth grade year, I decided to follow Jesus for the rest of my life and was baptized that Christmas. 

Over the years of walking with Jesus, the battle of the mind has been a constant theme. Learning to forgive and finding healthy coping for my anxious mind and self-doubt is a lifelong work in progress. Coming to the U.S. to study in a new field, marrying a Texan, becoming a mother, and learning to navigate different social contexts all triggered my deepest fear of rejection and of being a failure. However, through His Word and others who love Jesus, God continues to remind me that His grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:9). I do not need to worry about my sins and imperfections before God because Jesus has already paid the price for me. It is finished, and it is done. The assurance of God's love for me in Jesus helps me regroup, try again, and face each day anew.

As a mother with two boys (ages 10 and 11), God has been challenging me to point them to Jesus and instill an eternal perspective. About 31 weeks into the pregnancy of my second child, I was rushed into the ER and then hospitalized for two and a half weeks because of a rare obstetrical complication that endangered both my and the baby's lives. I witnessed my husband and my first child severely distressed in that situation. Given the medical complications, I wrote my "last words." In my letters to the boys, I wrote: "Mommy loves you very much, but Jesus loves you more. Follow Him!" In that uncertain time, Romans 8:38-39 became so alive to me: nothing can separate us from God's love. I thank God for His grace and mercy, for our family going through that trial safely, and for the opportunity to share the testimony with my kids and others. More importantly, whenever my kids ask the what-if question of if anything happens to my husband or me, I can point them to God's promises and assure them Jesus will lead them through.

Reflecting on the ups and downs of my life up to this point, God's love for me has never changed, regardless of my own weaknesses or circumstances. The God Who seemed silent during teary days is the same God Who responded with encouragement and help when facing challenging situations that I couldn’t solve of my own accord.  His promise in Romans 8:38-39 is not only for me, but also for my family and everyone who chooses to follow Him. In response to such love, there have been fewer "why" questions, but more questions like "What do You want me to do, Lord?" While my inner voice is often still very anxious and afraid, I know the Holy Spirit can help me see and live God's way when I choose to obey. 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. What habits help you remember God’s promises, or what new ones would you like to start?

2. Who has God placed in your life to remind you that nothing can separate you from His love?

3. Thinking about Romans 8:38–39, what’s one way you can share God’s love in Jesus this Christmas?