What Do You Think When You're Suffering
READ: Romans 8:18-24
In Romans 8:18-24 Paul says, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Here’s an example. Imagine this: A young girl, as she walks to her mother’s funeral, realized that her mother was the one person the girl knew would always be there for her; the one person that was ever there for her. Her mother had no family, only her child and her God. Now the girl had nothing left. The mother had prayed to God with her daughter every night. They thanked God for their being part of His family. They looked forward to that glorious heaven that awaited them.
Paul emphasizes in Romans that the greatness of the glory which will be revealed to us is immeasurably greater than all the suffering of the present could be. This is what helped that little girl when suffering the loss of her mother. Those same words help us realize that our sufferings right now are only temporary. Heaven will be so much more glorious and will last forever.
Don’t let your sufferings let you lose sight of what lies ahead.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT: During times of trouble, what is helping you get though them? After reading this devotion, how do you feel about suffering? What comfort do you think unbelievers have to deal with such sufferings?
PRAYER SUGGESTIONS: Pray for yourself if you personally are suffering right now. Pray for any friends, relatives, or acquaintances that you know are suffering. Ask God to help you remember how minor our sufferings are compared to the glorious heaven that awaits us.