​Week 21, Day 4

​Week 21, Day 4
May 26, 2022
Scripture: Romans 8
 
The Kingdom of Darkness gained ground this week.
 
The church failed. To read of the Southern Baptist Church independent investigation, there were considerable ethical failures that harmed many throughout the denomination. Locally, there was the horrifying revelation of a deeply rooted sin that wreaks havoc now in a faith community. 
 
The Kingdom of Darkness advanced on our public schools this week. We are horrified at the news of children and teachers being killed in Texas. Such terrible violence causes great fear in each of our lives.
 
A cloud of darkness, death, destruction hangs over our nation…over our community.
 
Facing horrifying violence, life is hopeless. The Kingdom of darkness advances taking both ground and life.
 
That’s how it feels.
 
Thank goodness for Romans 8.
 
Paul teaches us that that all of creation is groaning for justice. All of creation groans on behalf of the broken and suffering. Paul teaches us that the creation groans, we groan, and the Spirit of God groans as well. All of us, all of creation, Spirit of God included groan for the suffering to end. For the senseless violence, wickedness and evil to come to end! We are all crying out to God for justice, for his righteousness. Lord! Come!
 
What do we do in the face of evil?
 
What do we do when the kingdom of darkness seems to advance and take ground?
 
We patiently hope.
 
This is our hope:
 
“As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 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 8:36–39)
 
No matter how much ground is gained by the kingdom of darkness, nothing will overcome or overthrow Jesus Christ, and his rightful reign over heaven and earth.
 
Nothing will separate us from his love.
 
Take comfort in knowing today that while darkness advances, the victory of Christ is greater. We are all conquerors through him.
 
His love is greater.
 
God’s love is greater than the darkness. Nothing will separate us from His Love. Hold on to him, hope in him!