For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
Romans 8:18
Something isn’t quite right.
After church today, Patrina and I had lunch with another couple. While our conversation covered a wide range of topics, we all agreed that something isn’t quite right in our world and that is an understatement.
As followers of Christ, Paul reminds us that “the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience” (Romans 8:22-25).
We are living in the moment. Like the people of Israel, standing with the Red Sea in front of them and their enemies closing in from behind, we are dependent on God to intervene in our lives.
“We are destined for a glorious future, which is guaranteed precisely because the down payment of that future, the Spirit himself, is already our present possession. In giving us his Spirit, God has guaranteed our future. Thus, we live in the present, ‘already’ but ‘not yet.'”
Gordon Fee
So if you feel a bit distressed today, be reminded that today’s pain is temporary. Better things are ahead.
0 Comments