Romans 8:18-31 New International Version
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that[a] the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who[b] have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
More Than Conquerors
31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
This scripture brings us hope because we know we have a future with Christ, that cannot be compared to what we are experiencing here on earth. Even our best days here do not compare to what is ahead of us with Christ when we meet with him. We have a lot to look forward to beyond what our minds can comprehend.
I read this this morning from Stormie Omartian’s “The Power of a Praying Woman” “Everytime you rose above the pain in your life and find the goodness, clarity, peace and light of the Lord there, your faith will grow.” She compared this to the analogy of flying in a plane and going through a storm as soon as the pilot rose above the storm into an altitude above the clouds she saw a clear sunny sky. It proves that no matter the intensity of the storm there is a clear, bright and sunny sky above it if you continue rise with Christ above this moment, this season, this period.
But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3: 8
This moment is nothing but a moment, stay faithful and endure with Christ. Do not depend on your own strength but read the scriptures, pray even when you don’t want to those are the times you must the most and spend quality time with God. He will refresh your soul.
Dear Heavenly Father give us the upliftment from your word that reminds us to endure this time because much clearer skies are ahead. Help us not to get caught up in the fog of this season that we only fix our focus on that but help us to see that when we continue to rise above the fog there is clarity. We await meeting you. Thank you. In Jesus name amen.