What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31 (NIV)

Have you ever felt like someone was personally coming against you? Perhaps the person was spreading lies about you or was intentionally trying to hurt you. Maybe a coworker, neighbor or family member was ruining your reputation, twisting your words to fit his or her agenda, or attempting to cause division within your family.

Most of us have felt this way at some point in our lives. It can be very frustrating, especially when someone has maligned our character or caused pain to those we love.

Our passage today gives us some great news. It says it doesn’t matter who is against us if God is for us! And guess what? God is for us! When we’re in the midst of difficult circumstances, we often forget this. We forget that we’re on God’s team. We forget that He wants what’s best for us and won’t allow anything to touch us that hasn’t first been approved by Him.

Even the most persistent and ill-intentioned of enemies can’t harm us in light of God’s favor. As a matter of fact, the passage goes on to list a number of things that can’t separate us from God’s love: Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. Romans 8:28 (NLT)

If you’re going through a difficult time, remember that the same God who is for you is also with you. At one of the most challenging times in Joshua’s life, God told him, “This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 NLT).

Today I’m thankful that because God is for us and with us, we have nothing to fear.