Whoa.

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? Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. - Romans 8:31-34

My church has been memorizing Romans 8 during Lent, so I've been dutifully following along because I always do precisely what I'm told.

Seriously, though, memorizing this chapter has been one of the most edifying things I've ever done. Every morning (well, not quite every morning) I memorize a new verse; then while I drive to work I start at the beginning and quote as much as I can. It's changed my mornings. My commute, although a brief one, has always been marked by the stress of running late and feeling guilty about it. Now instead of berating myself with a list of "should haves" I begin my day with "There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." I need it every time.

As I was working on today's verses (33 & 34, since I didn't get around to it yesterday), I was stopped short by the impossibility of it all. Christ himself is interceding for me? God graciously gives me all things? Who am I to deserve all this?

The questions I ask in unguarded moments are the most telling. Who am I to deserve all this? Silly girl – that's why it's called "grace."

Seriously: whoa.