At long last, we have reached the climax of the first section of Romans. Finally, the truths we’ve gleaned thus far begin to come together. Now that we have acknowledged the essential and inescapable presence of suffering in our journey, we need strong words of encouragement and reassurance. Since “we do not see” what’s ahead” (8:25), and since “we do not know how to pray” (8:26), we desperately need something to hang onto, mentally and emotionally—something to stabilize us in the midst of the “mess of life.” Knowing that, the Apostle Paul offers some of the most powerful and comforting words in all his writings—he reminds us of God’s magnificent providence. Only by coming to terms with this great doctrine can we confidently face an uncertain future.