More Than Conquerors? Yes, More Than Conquerors! – August 16, 2023

Read: Romans 8:28-39

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
Romans 8:28,35,37

More Than Conquerors? Yes, More Than Conquerors!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Bad things happen to God’s people. It means bad things happen to us. We’d probably be much more content and happy in life if we recognize and accept that. Let’s say it together: Bad things happen to God’s people.

If we aren’t surprised by that truth, we’ll be much better off as we face life in this world. Here’s a really cool and amazing thing that is really hard to remember when we’re going through something really bad: When bad things happen to God’s people, it isn’t because he’s mad at us or not paying attention to us or threatening to leave us. They just happen.

Our Lord knows that bad things are happening. And he doesn’t owe us an explanation why he’s allowing them to happen. Sometimes they even happen as a direct result of our being his faithful and obedient children. At times they include things that seem very out of place to happen to those who are children of a God who claims to be all-powerful and all-loving. So we wonder. Does God love me? Is God with me?

God doesn’t leave us helpless or without an answer, even in the midst of suffering. Listen: “In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” God loves us. Period. He always has, and he always will. Let’s say it together: God loves us!

How can we be so sure? He didn’t spare his very own Son, but graciously gave him up for us all, to cover all our sin and to take away our shame. He sacrificed his dearest treasure in order to make us his dearest treasures. The God who loves us that much knows what we need in life. He knows what we need to grow and mature as his children. His promise is that no matter what happens (including what’s bad), in the end he will turn it into good for his children.

So, no matter what happens or how bad it gets, don’t despair! And don’t act like you are a helpless victim. Because come what may, even the worst, in Jesus we are more than conquerors. How? Because he’s defeated everything that is bad and wrong in us. He promises to work anything that seems wrong and bad for our good. And someday he will take us to a place where nothing bad will ever happen again.

Let that fill you with hope and joy. Let’s say it together: We are conquerors!

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to hold on to your love in Jesus when bad things happen. In his name. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How do we know that God loves us?
• So, does that mean that God is for us or against us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is a conqueror?
• How can we be conquerors, even when bad things are happening?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it so hard to remember that we are “more than conquerors” when bad things are happening to us?
• Challenge yourself to memorize a little section from today’s Scripture. Why do you think that would be a worthwhile use of your time?