March 11th 2016
For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39 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
I admit that I used to be so scared alone in the house at night that I would put chairs under the door knobs and turn lights on all over. And that was when I was in my 40’s. I tried all kinds of reasoning to assure myself that I would be ok. Then I’d fall asleep with my eyes on the doorway of the bedroom and stay that way all night.
I accepted Christ years ago in a one room schoolhouse when an itinerant pastor visited us. I “knew” God was to be trusted and Jesus was my Savior. Oh yes, I listened in church, sang in the choir and went to Sunday school. Something was missing, though. My hope in all “that” just had not gelled into a solid faith.
One night I picked up my Bible as I sat on the bed scared once again. God showed me “Romans 8:38-39”. And I read it over several times. HE is with me no matter where I am – even in the casket in the grave. I am not alone! And I believed! A tiny spark, my faith and trust began to grow.
It took a long time for that spark to become a small fire. Now I am positive beyond a doubt that I am not alone. I have the Holy Spirit with me all the time. I even leave the door unlocked sometimes.
Jesus went to the Cross on Good Friday so that you and I are not alone. He was raised from the dead on Easter Sunday and was with His disciples of the day. He promised us a Counselor who would come when He went back into Heaven to sit at the right hand of God.
The Holy Spirit comes to be with us when we accept Jesus as Savior. He is available all the time. That’s the love of God within us. We are not alone. Be not afraid.
– Julie Shoup