Devotion • July 8
Today's Scripture
Romans 8:18–25
I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. (NRSV)
Reflection
Persevere.
My friends often urge me to stop using that pithy (yet honest) advice when counseling them about how to face an enduring challenge. In Romans 8:18–25, Apostle Paul also urges us to persevere — for unequaled splendor that awaits.
In his recent devotion on Roman 8’s first eight verses, Tom Are Jr. related Paul’s explanation about how we can attain life through the Holy Spirit. In verses 18–25, Paul encourages us that by focusing on the future’s promised eternal glory, we can withstand any suffering in this increasingly dark world and then realize God’s absolute love for us through Christ.
What glorious good news of hope from an apostle who suffered beatings, stoning, imprisonment, starvation, and the cold. Still, how does the expectation of promised glory impact your view and experience of suffering?
When asked in a survey the one question respondents would ask God, the top response was “Why is there pain and suffering in the world?” I ponder that question frequently even though I know suffering is part of life.
What effect does an expectation of promised glory have on your view of and experience with suffering? What I conclude is that such anguish doesn’t undercut my faith that God intends to create greater good from it.
In other words, with an eye on the promised glory ahead, I persevere with hope during the times of pain and hurt.
Please click on this link to the hymn based on today’s Gospel passage, “There’s a Wideness in God’s Mercy” (Hymn 435 in our Glory to God hymnal), as sung by the Glorious Philharmonic Choir.
Prayer
Lord, during times of suffering and pain, encourage us with your Holy Spirit and remind us to persevere knowing that the glory you have prepared for us in Christ awaits. Amen.
Written by Tim Schellhardt, Member of Fourth Presbyterian Church
Reflection and Prayer © Fourth Presbyterian Church
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