Day 3

January 11

Marilyn Bollinger

Romans 8:18-21

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by he will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 

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

That is an easy sentence to read, but a difficult one to digest! In the midst of suffering, challenges, sick children, work stresses, caring for aging adults, dealing with a pandemic and the list goes on, we are to remember the glory that lies ahead and not let present situations bring us down. How is that possible?

Let’s go back one verse to better understand. Verse 17: “Now if we are children, then we are heirs – heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory.”  

When we KNOW Christ and are certain we are His heirs and will have eternal life with Him someday, we CAN share in His sufferings and know the glory of God. Jesus suffered for ME, loved ME so much He died for me, took MY sins on His shoulders, and in exchange, gave me eternal life in His presence. Wow!! Verse 21 promises “the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” Try to picture a life with no decay, total freedom as we worship God nonstop, and experience a glory we cannot imagine on this side of heaven!  

I encounter people every day that do not know Jesus and I watch them “suffer” through even small challenges. How does Jesus help me cope and even praise Him in the struggle? “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” I can suffer, remember His glory and praise Him for all He does for me, because I know Him and depend on His strength and not my own.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help me focus on knowing you and depending on your strength. Help me remember that my present sufferings are a share in your sufferings and they do not compare to the glory that will be revealed to me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.