RR Where There Is Sin, Grace Abounds By David Harwood

Shavuah Tov,

The other day a few of us were praying and concern was expressed about the world our children and their children would inherit. We know of people who are so filled with anxiety and pessimism that they have decided to not have children. This is nothing new. We knew highly educated and remarkably talented people who made the same decision decades ago.  I empathize with those who are anxious about the future. So much looks bleak. Forget about the future, the present looks very dark. I agree, the future appears to be ominous.

So, what was my response to these concerns?  I immediately had a word of comfort.  … where sin increased, grace overflowed even more—(Romans 5:20b) The most important thing in life is not that we, or our children, or grandchildren, would be comfortable. The most important thing is that we would know Yeshua and, abiding in His love, overcome the world.

Someone might remonstrate, “But there are more temptations than ever before! The influence of the satan upon our culture is so very powerful. How can they possibly overcome?”

I might reply as mentioned before: … where sin increased, grace overflowed even more—(Romans 5:20b). And then, knowing me, I might
follow up with this: Now we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)

In addition, I might add the following: What then shall we say in view of
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 shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? (Romans 8:31–32)

Dare I believe that our Father will guide, protect, defend, and provide for
those who are growing up in what is currently a depraved social environment?  Dare I not believe that? It is right that I trust Him for “all things.” He is the God of every nuance of favor. He is the God of all grace. After you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace—who has called you into His eternal glory in Messiah—will Himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. (1Peter 5:10)

Since I’m meditating on Romans 8, let me add another reason for my confidence in God’s active favor.  Who shall separate us from the love of Messiah? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword? As it is written, “For Your sake we are being put to death all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter.” But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Messiah Yeshua our Lord. (Romans 8:35–39)

A friend may say, “But David, you’re quoting Scriptures that speak of suffering and even martyrdom! Please stop.” I appreciate that candor but allow me to push back and reference what Yeshua said. “Shalom I leave you, My shalom I give to you; but not as the world gives! Do not let your heart be troubled or afraid. (John 14:27)

Take heart. In fact, “do not let your heart be troubled” about the wellbeing of
those growing up at this time. There will always be enough enabling favor to see us through. There is no circumstance that can arise which other believers have not experienced. There is no satanic fury that cannot be withstood.  But in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. (Romans 8:37)

Favor and shalom to you, in the name of Yeshua.

Daily Bread, reading plan by Lars Enarson (https://www.thewatchman.org/)
Sun12-July 202627th of Tamuz, 5786 
De 1:1-10 Ez 221 Ch 2Php 2 (Lk 20)