God Is for Us - The Crosswalk Devotional - April 29
The Crosswalk Devotional
Audio By Carbonatix
By Vivian Bricker, Crosswalk.com
God Is for Us
By Vivian Bricker
Bible Reading:
“What, then, shall we say in response to 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 will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32).
A few years ago, I hit rock bottom. I felt alone in life, and I was struggling immensely with my mental health. I had just started recovery from my eating disorder, and it was a difficult road ahead. What I didn’t know was that when you enter recovery, you have to cope with your feelings in different ways, rather than restricting your food intake, not eating, or excessively exercising. Due to the self-hate I had, it was hard for me to make this change at first.
If you have also gone through recovery from an eating disorder, you know how difficult it can be. It can make you feel alone, isolated, and scared. Eating disorders are often based on a source of control, and once that control is gone, it can be not very comforting. Through God’s help, I have been able to continue to recover, and I don’t struggle as much as I used to. However, this trust didn’t happen overnight.
At first, I was extremely mad at God. I concluded that He hated me and didn’t want what was best for me. I also thought that He might be turning a deaf ear to my prayers because I was a bad person for struggling with an eating disorder for so long. Due to unhelpful comments from other Christians, I was convinced that I was struggling with a sin problem rather than an actual mental health disorder.
Eating disorders, depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, and all other mental health disorders are not rooted in sin. They are all mental health disorders that deserve proper treatment and care. If everyone started seeing mental health disorders for what they are—mental health disorders—then we could start moving forward in helping others who are struggling. It only brings harm to others when they are told their struggles are the result of sin in their life.
If anyone has ever said that to you, know they are wrong. Statements such as these show their lack of biblical knowledge and relationship with the Lord. Don’t take these things to heart, as these individuals are not knowledgeable about mental health disorders. Choose to reflect on the truth: yes, we can struggle with mental health disorders, but they are not because of sin. It wasn’t your fault for getting a mental health disorder.
Similar to how it’s nobody’s fault that they develop heart disease, diabetes, or cancer, it is not your fault for developing a mental health disorder. We all have our struggles, and each of them is valid. During your struggles, you might have felt as though God is not with you or He is causing your suffering. I have been in the same place before. Your feelings are valid but don’t believe for a second that God is not with you or He is the one causing your suffering.
Intersecting Faith & Life:
The Apostle Paul tells us, “What shall we say in response to 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 will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). As Paul says, God is for us. He is never against us. Just as He did not spare His own Son but gave Him up for us, how will He not also give us all things? This is something to reflect upon as it will help us to know that God is forever on our side.
Even though there are times when we feel God has abandoned us or is against us, it is not true. God loves us immeasurably (Romans 8:37-39). With His immeasurable love, He will graciously give us all things. Since God didn’t spare His own Son, how can we question His love? The very fact that God gave up His Son to die for our sins shows the great love He has for us.
As you walk through today, reflect on what you know—God is for you. He is never against you and will never bring problems into your life. Problems will arise, such as mental health disorders, but they are not curses brought upon us by God. Instead, they are part of living in the fallen world.
God will help us as we face any diagnosis or any situation. He will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5-6). With this promise in our hearts, we can confidently walk into each day knowing He is with us and for us.
Have you ever struggled with the thought that God is against you? What was this like?
Are you currently struggling with a mental health disorder or a physical illness? If so, have you ever felt God caused your suffering?
How can you embrace the truth that God is always for you?
“Dear God, I have often struggled with the thought that You don’t want good things for my life. I know now that You are always for me and only want the best. Forgive me for thinking differently in the past. Please help me walk confidently each day because I know You are with me and on my side. In Your Son’s Name, I pray, Amen.”
Photo Credit: ©GettyImages/ChristianChan
Vivian Bricker obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Ministry, followed by a Master of Arts with an emphasis in theology. She loves all things theology, mission work, and helping others learn about Jesus. Find more of her content at Cultivate.
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Listen to the Jesus Calling Podcast!
Welcome to this special bonus episode of the Jesus Calling Podcast, inspired by the topical themes from Sarah Young’s seasonal prayer devotional Jesus Listens: Prayers for Every Season. Today, we are featuring guests who speak to themes that all of us might be experiencing in this season of winter. As the days grow shorter and the night longer, we are offered a rare gift: permission to stop. This season can be a challenging time for many, and if you are struggling with low spirits, please know you are not alone, and help is available. This episode is an opportunity to honor your weariness, to resist the urge to rush, and to discover the profound healing that happens when we simply let ourselves rest in the stillness. If you like what you hear, be sure to follow Jesus Calling on Apple or Spotify so you never miss an episode!
