Read Romans 8:18-39. The book of Romans sure does have a lot of good nuggets to learn how to live a life for God. In today’s passage, we learn three things about daily living.
- Life is messy in the here and now, but we can look forward to the future.
- God works with the messy parts of life for the good of those who love Him.
- Circumstantial ease is not our measuring rod for God’s love for us.
Remember yesterday, when I asked if you view yourself as a slave or an Heir? Well, we are not fearful slaves, but an heir of God. Remember that! You are a child of God when you choose to live for Him. What are some challenges/messy situations that you are dealing with right now? Is it physical, mental, emotional, or spiritual? We all suffer because of sin in the world. Jesus can relate to each of our problems. He suffered in every way and died so we could be reconciled to God. What is exciting is our pain and suffering is short-lived here on earth.
Let’s talk about the first point. Life is messy here and now, but we can look forward to the future.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; 21 because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. 23 Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 24 For we were saved in this hope, but hope that is seen is not hope; for why does one still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with perseverance.
Have you ever been in great pain? How would you describe it? Intense, short, painful. However you described it, it wasn’t fun. Suffering isn’t fun. We will look at this life as labor/suffering. However, the rest of eternity will be filled with glory and we will be removed from the presence of sin. What is your posture toward your current struggles now? Does this give you hope that this suffering is only for a moment when we think in terms of eternity? It does for me. In fact, when I go through a struggle, I make my mind go into a timeline to remember that this is only for a moment. Then I also pray to God and ask him what I need to learn at this moment. Keep the hope of future glory.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the future. Thank you for giving us hope in the future. I pray that as we suffer, we will keep our hope in you and the future glory that you promise us.
In Jesus Name
Amen
