For I reckon 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 (KJV)
Paul didn't make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His "present sufferings" make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!
Holy and Almighty God, you are awesome, glorious, and majestic. I praise you for reaching down and saving me by your grace. Father, most of the time, my faith is strong and I feel confident about my future. However, at times my faith can waver when I'm confronted with grave difficulties. Please give me courage and boldness, dear Father, to face those challenges with the conviction that these sufferings are minor in comparison to the glory you will share with me when Jesus returns and brings me to you. In Jesus' name, I wait expectantly for that day as I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
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—Romans 8:18 (KJV)
Thoughts on Today's Verse...
Paul didn't make this statement lightly. He knew hardship! Take a look at the list of just some of the painful challenges the apostle endured in his letter to the Corinthians (2 Corinthians 11:22-33). His "present sufferings" make most of our difficulties seem tame by comparison. However, Paul could say confidently that the glory he would have with Christ would be so incredible, with blessings so fantastic, that his hardships in this life would pale in comparison to that glory. Paul was not only confident that he would share in that glory, but he was confident that it would be ours as well! And how can we be sure? Because the resurrected Jesus, who has ascended to the Father, holds us close to him and our future is bound up in his glory (Colossians 3:1-4)!
My Prayer...
Holy and Almighty God, you are awesome, glorious, and majestic. I praise you for reaching down and saving me by your grace. Father, most of the time, my faith is strong and I feel confident about my future. However, at times my faith can waver when I'm confronted with grave difficulties. Please give me courage and boldness, dear Father, to face those challenges with the conviction that these sufferings are minor in comparison to the glory you will share with me when Jesus returns and brings me to you. In Jesus' name, I wait expectantly for that day as I pray. Amen.
All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House.
Continue reading...
