An Inn on the Roman's Road

In the first century, the Roman roads were a technological advancement that encouraged travel, commerce, and communication. There were often inns on these roads that were intended to provide rest to travelers, but which often were places for bed-bugs and thievery. I have been reading again Paul's letter to the Romans and have appreciated anew chapter 8. Contrary to ancient inns on the ancient Roman roads, Romans 8 is an incredible place of rest within Paul's entire argument (which can often feel like an extended road trip because of the complexity of his arguments!).
It struck me the other day that there are several statements in the chapter which should cause believers to reevaluate their interpretation of events occurring around them and to them. For example, Rom 8:31b (TNIV) says "...If God is for us, who can be against us?" It is a powerful truth to know that God is actually for his children. He is not against us. How often do we think that the negative or stressful events occurring around us daily are a sign that God has neglected us or is against us? And yet, here we find evidence to the contrary; a different way of interpreting those events.
Here is another example, Rom 8:32 (TNIV) "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?" Here is another powerful perspective changer: If God has already given his Son for us, then He will not be stingy in giving us all things. This is an argument from the greater to the lesser. In other words since God has given the greater "thing", then all other lesser "things" are not a problem. However, since we all don't have everything we want, there must be good reasons for God withholding something from us. Most likely it is because God will never put us in a situation where we do not have to trust in Him.
Even if we only meditate on these two of many illustrations from this chapter, we can already see how they cause us to step back from the details of our lives and see a generous God who is for us. Thus, we can and should trust Him in the midst of whatever is going on, because we know His character and His attitude towards us. This chapter is full of these perspective changers. They are like five star resorts as we travel the Roman's road.