Had you been a fly on the wall of my house last winter, you would likely have overheard many discussions between my husband and me about the pros and cons of various secondary schools in our area. Our daughter started secondary school last fall, but we had to submit our paperwork, complete with a ranked list of school preferences, much earlier in the year. Navigating the process in a foreign language and without much “insider information” on the schools was a challenge, as was the subsequent waiting process to find out where she had gotten a place.  

Fast forward to this winter. Our son will begin secondary school this fall, but the atmosphere around our house related to that change is palpably different this time around. Yes, we still have to submit the forms, but we’ve spent very little time and energy this winter thinking about the process.  

What makes the difference? 

I’d argue that the answer relates to the theme for this week’s devotionals: security. Our son will be given a place at the same secondary school based on the fact that he has a sibling already there: his sister’s presence opens the way for him (and us) to avoid the uncertainty of last year. His place there is secure.  

This analogy falls short of fully explaining the depths of the security we have in Christ, but I hope it paints a picture of the amazing benefits we have as daughters of the King. Because of Jesus, not only is our place in heaven secure, but our identity here on this earth also rests firmly in His finished work. We don’t have to wallow in uncertainty about whether we’ve measured up this week or become consumed by yet another cross-cultural failure or blunder that has left us feeling ridiculous or inept. We are joyfully and permanently secure in Christ’s finished work. 

Romans 8:1 reminds us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. There is no eternal condemnation but also no room for the day-to-day feelings of condemnation that Satan tries to heap upon us based on our failures or personal insecurities. This verse kicks off a marvelous chapter that speaks of our unshakeable security in Jesus: may we rejoice in this truth and live in light of it!