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Romans 8:31-32 says, "What, then, shall we say in response to this? 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?" The Apostle Paul wrote those words to the Christians in Rome because he wanted them to be aware of their glorious victory in Christ. In Romans 8:28, he had just written that all things work together for good in a Christian’s life if he or she loves the Lord and if he or she has been called according to His purpose.

Thus, the above verses offer hope to devoted followers of Christ as they struggle to live in a world that offers little or no hope. When difficulties arise, as they always do, then people, who truly love the Lord, can rest assured that God is working out His plan in their lives. Many early Christians were martyred because they professed Christ as their Savior, and during recent years, many more individuals in foreign lands have also forfeited their lives because of their faith in Jesus. Yet, in the midst of such final disaster, Romans 8:28-32 still gives hope to those that truly love the Lord.

In Acts 27:1-44, Paul was in a hopeless position. He had been arrested in Jerusalem for preaching Christ, and because he had appealed his case to Caesar, he was in route to Rome to stand trial. While being transported by boat from Crete towards Phoenix, however, his ship encountered a severe storm with hurricane-force winds. It was thrown about in the deep waters, and eventually, the crew had to run aground to keep from sinking. After everyone was ashore, in Acts 28:1-10, Paul’s predicament grew even worse because he was bitten by a poisoness snake. While the snake still dangled from his arm, he shook it off into the fire, but then, those that had been watching waited to see if he would die from the bite. God was with him, though, so that did not happen. Instead, he was spared, and God got the glory for what He had done.