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Daily Devotion: Romans 15:13

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Romans 15:13    "Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

This verse is a fascinating verse when you stop to look at it in the context that it is written. Paul quotes from the Old Testament concerning the Gentiles being brought into the blessings of the Lord. In verse 8, Paul speaks of the promises that have been made. In verse 9, he reminds us that we are to glorify the Lord. Paul's purpose was to testify to the Gentiles. He was called to be the Apostle to the Gentiles. In verse 10, we are to rejoice in that which the Lord has done for us. Verse 11 speaks to  us concerning praise that we are to lift up unto the Lord. Verse 12 tells us that Jesus Christ reigns and rules in His kingdom to both Jew and Gentile. Then we come to the culmination in verse 13. God has promised these things as recorded in the Old Testament and we can experience hope, joy, and peace in believing through the power of the Holy Ghost. The need for faith and trust in the Lord is stressed throughout the book of Romans. Remember Paul speaking of Abraham in Romans 4:20-21  "He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;  (21)  And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform."

This week we have been looking at the subject of peace. I submit to you this morning that unless we believe the Word of God and the promises that it contains, we cannot have true peace. Jesus said, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27) Yes, the world can offer you peace, but be assured it is only temporary. The peace of God through Jesus Christ is an eternal peace that sustains us even in our struggles and trials.  In Isaiah chapter 7, he records a promise given by the Lord. He said nations would rise against Jerusalem, but they would not.. they would NOT be victorious. But then He spoke concerning those promises and their effect on the people: "If ye will not believe, surely ye shall not be established." (Isaiah 7:9) In order to be established in the peace of God, we must believe and have confidence in the Lord's ability to bring His promises to pass. As we place our trust in Him, "The God of hope (will) fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost."

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