Romans 8:18


I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us ~ Romans 8:18

It is far easier to look to the eternal, to heavens joy, when life is treating us well, but we have a harder time looking ahead when our eyes are caught up with the troubles of now. Then we are like Peter whom Jesus called out of the boat in the midst of the sea. Our eyes turn to the waves around us and we begin to sink. Our present suffering may be severe, and no doubt every person has troubles and anxieties to bear, and sometimes those burdens come because we follow Christ. Paul puts the emphasis on comparison though, as he writes that what we suffer now is temporary, the glory however, is eternal. This is the difference between us and people who do not believe in God. Our temporary pains will end in joy; theirs will not. And this joy or glory is not yet revealed, it is a secret, yet, it is already in being; it is prepared for us. So, how do we handle our present sufferings? In Paul’s mind, we are to bring into every thought, and into everything which affects us, our eternity. There is not a pain, a pleasure, a word, or a thought, which does not reach out into eternity. That is a pretty awesome way of looking at how we measure our pains, our present sufferings with the eternal! So, exercise your faith today, through your sufferings, for glory awaits you!
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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