Father, this really is a day like many others, but I am appreciating it, nonetheless. Contented in You and with life in general whatever it may hold with You by my side all along the way.
Romans 8:18 (<<click here to read the passage)
God likes to work out “coincidental” happenings! This past week’s sermon, though based on another Scripture passage, deals with this same topic – suffering.
Verse 18 from the New Living Translation,
Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
And now from the Amplified Bible,
For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us!
Sunday’s sermon was entitled, THE CROSS OF SUFFERING…SEE THROUGH IT (<<click to watch it). Just like today’s passage from verse 18, it stresses the fact that, yes, we will suffer in this life, at some point and in some way. No one is exempt. Regardless of our social status, income, age, gender, race, or country of origin, suffering is undeniably – and unavoidably – a part of life. But for the most part, it is not the totality of our lives.
And we know Jesus has gone ahead of us. He has blazed the path before us and understands our journey…understands our struggles…understands our failings. We can rejoice in the fact that He said,
“Do not let your heart be troubled (afraid, cowardly). Believe [confidently] in God and trust in Him, [have faith, hold on to it, rely on it, keep going and] believe also in Me. In My Father’s house are many dwelling places. If it were not so, I would have told you, because I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back again and I will take you to Myself, so that where I am you may be also. John 14:1-3 AMP
Just remember, though we may feel we’re getting more than our fair share of suffering, we must see through it, for it is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.
Also, we must never forget that Jesus “for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross”. Hebrews 12:2 AMP
So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. 1 Peter 1:6-7 NLT
Sing the praises of the Lord, you his faithful people;
….praise his holy name.
For his anger lasts only a moment,
….but his favor lasts a lifetime;
weeping may stay for the night,
….but rejoicing comes in the morning. Psalm 30:4-5 NIV
Mar 6th, 2023, Mon, 1:09 pm
