NOTHING TO COMPARE

Romans 8:18

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18, NKJV

The world in which we live is a fallen world, a place of suffering and trials and times of heartaches and problems, a life of difficulties and sickness, a season of disappointments and death. Afflictions and anguish stalk our path like a hungry pack of wolves, and they are no respecter of persons or position, clime or creed, wise or foolish, young or old, believer or non-believer.

And if this were all that life offered to humanity, we would indeed be the most miserable of species, for we would remain dead in trespasses and sins, without God and without any hope in the world. But this is a verse of contrasts. Suffering is placed alongside great glory, sadness is contrasted with lasting joy, despair is put in contradistinction with the glorious hope that is set before us while death is forever swallowed up in the abundance of everlasting life!!! GLORY!!!

It is no secret that some of our world's most empathetic, loving, and truly beautiful people are those who have known suffering, have experienced loss, and have lived through devastating defeat. God, as our loving Father, builds our character through discipline and love. This of course includes discomfort on our part, and sometimes our struggle is truly profound.

However, it is not without purpose. Suffering and all its aggressive associates pale into blinded insignificance when placed in their correct eternal perspective, for when laid alongside the truth of the gospel and the glory that shines forth from its eternal pages, they are not eve worthy to be considered in the same breath as our reality in Christ and our eternal heavenly future!!!

Father, thank You for this day and for Your wonderful words of wisdom in Scripture. Lord, let Your abundant blessings be our family's portion today. Lord, may we become so firmly grounded in the truth of Your Word and the glory that is revealed that we can place the sufferings of this present time in its correct perspective. Lord, give us the courage and boldness to face those challenges with the conviction that they are actually minor in comparison to the glory You will share with us when You return. Lord, use us to be the voice crying into a dark, decaying world, the life-giving gospel of Your grace.

Father, we love You. Amen !