Stress Test Devotional April 20
April 20, 2024
ROMANS 8:18-25 | I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what is seen? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
The Biblical framework insists that there are two worlds. The broken world we experience now and the coming world of Kingdom glory. This belief conditions our understanding of present suffering in several ways. It reminds us that present suffering is not final and that it will be alleviated and overcome. It helps us remember that our short and often painful lives are a preparation for an everlasting life without sorrow. God can use our present difficulties, through faith, to shape us for eternity.
Have you grown more spiritually in the hard or easy times of your life?
Pray that you will allow God to use your areas of suffering to deepen your soul and prepare you for life everlasting.
