He gives us a list of possible things:
- tribulation?
- distress?
- persecution?
- famine?
- nakedness?
- peril?
- sword?
Nothing! Nothing can separate us! How awesome and what does this mean?
First, what it does NOT mean: It does not mean you can do anything or live any way you want and God will accept you into his heaven. He has rules about entrance into heaven and these do not change - only holy things can enter a holy heaven.
So, what it does mean: It means that even though you and I do things not acceptable before God, his love for us doesn't change; he does and always will love us. However that may not benefit us. The reason is due to his rules.
RULES:
- you must be born again to enter heaven
- you must have your sins forgiven - continuously (1 John 1:9)
- you must love God
But you must understand, he still loves you. It's just that your choices separate you from him. His choice is to save you and to take you home to live with him forever. Your choice may be to live in such a manner that that is impossible.
Remember: Nothing can separate you from his love - except your decisions and choices. Pain, trouble, hatred, war, unfaithful friends or family, none of these things can keep you from the love of God.
Only your choice to let them come between you and God or even make you blame God for your situation - only that choice has the power to separate you from him.
God will move heaven and earth, send mighty angels, provide miracles, hold you in his hand, protect you in the midst of the storm - you name it and God will make a way for his love to connect with you - if you let him.
So why not declare today "No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is MINE through Christ, who loved ME." Rom. 8:37 (My paraphrase) GO WITH GOD!
