What Can Compare

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Scripture: Romans 8:18-21 (NIV)

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

Devotion:

This passage opens a window into a hope so vast that Paul struggles to compare it with anything we experience now. Truly, we await a future hope that is beyond description. God will not only save humans who believe and follow Him, but He will also set all nature in order. No more floods, earthquakes, hurricanes, or tornadoes will plague the world. No more will humans spoil God’s creation. We cannot even begin to imagine what is in store for us in a creation put right by its Creator.

This passage invites us to see our present struggles through the lens of God’s future restoration. We do struggle with sin and its effects on us and even on nature. What we have here is a declaration of freedom for humanity and creation that boggles the mind and thrills the imagination. We currently struggle daily with temptations to sin. In God’s redeemed world, even temptations will cease as the cause of those temptations will be permanently defeated. We will walk worthy of the redeemed world that we are graced with.

When life feels overwhelming, Romans 8:18–21 calls us to lift our eyes. Our redemption, promised in God’s word, is comfort enough for our daily struggles with temptation and sin. We can sometimes feel like we can’t make it another step, let alone another day. We must remind ourselves of the promised salvation. Paul’s words are a reminder that we can make it. All our struggles will end one day. God will put all the things that are amiss right in His perfect timing. Let us pray for God to give us patience to wait for our final redemption.

Prayer:

Father in Heaven, we are such impatient creatures. Help us, we pray, to believe that you really are so good that you will not only save us but also put all things right. Let us live our lives in this hope and promise of your ultimate justice and love. Let us forsake all doubts and fears and learn to live in trust and faith in you. May we live our daily lives as examples of what is to come when you consummate your kingdom, and your will is truly done on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.

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