Romans Reflection

Reading Romans 1 and working through it at Gospel Workshop has been a tremendous help in dealing with temptation and learning to fully surrender to God. As I reflect on the past five years, I am overwhelmed by the evidence of God’s covering and sustenance over my life.

 One may ask: what led to this moment where I sit and write this letter—or rather, this note of thanks and gratitude to my Saviour and Lord, Jesus Christ?

 In 2019, I was going through intense struggles. I called myself a Christian, but in truth, I was merely a churchgoer. If someone had told me then, “God will save you,” I would have laughed. I had given up on life. I was not living as a believer, but as someone lost and dying slowly.

 Romans 1:21–25 described me perfectly. My heart was darkened, and I exchanged the truth of God for lies. Verses 26–31 were active in my life; I had become hopeless. But then came the light of Ephesians 2:4—“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” This verse brings continual hope to those far from God and dead in their sins.

Oh, what a verse for someone who was spiritually dead! God opened my eyes and softened my heart to His Word by His Spirit. He is merciful, compassionate, and gracious. He did not give me up to my passions—He saved me. And not only did He save me, but He also sustains and covers me daily.

It is humbling to be loved, covered, and sustained by God, knowing I have done nothing to deserve it. It is all by His grace and mercy.

I write this knowing that I still face temptation, because I live in a world engulfed by sin—but I have hope. I know I am not alone. When temptation comes, I have my Advocate, Jesus beside me. This truth gives me assurance and helps me in my walk with the Lord. How? I can go to God and surrender the things that are hard. And when the enemy tries to convince me that I am not good enough, I turn to this truth and pray: “Yes, I am not enough—but I have an Advocate who is enough.” Jesus Christ paid the penalty for my sins, and I am dressed in His righteousness.

 This truth does not give me permission to continue sinning—it reminds me of the penalty Christ paid and what He accomplished so I could receive grace, mercy, and eternal life with Him. Knowing this gives me hope as I look forward to His return.

 I pray that He helps me live in a way that reflects that hope, as He sustains and covers me in this journey of sanctification—waiting for His return.