Romans 8:18

Often when we go through a tough time in our lives, it consumes our thoughts. Maybe a relationship struggle, a diagnosis, or a loss. We wake up thinking about it, it's on our minds all day, and we go to bed thinking about it. Every decision we make is affected by this cloud that's hanging over us. What hope can we have in those moments when everything around us seems dark? In the letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul encouraged them to look beyond their present sufferings to greater days ahead—when we are in God’s presence. It’s important to note, Paul isn’t downplaying the suffering you’re going through. But he’s pointing out that when we experience the true glory of being with God, it will make any struggle you’ve faced seem so insignificant. So friends, while you go through stormy seasons, keep your eyes fixed not on the present sufferings, but on the glory to come!

PASSAGE: Romans 8:18 - "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us."

PAUSE: Thankfully our sufferings are temporary. A better tomorrow is coming, a tomorrow that is filled with God’s glory. When we compare our present sufferings with eternal glory, it fills our hearts with hope. Whether you can see it or not, God is at work, both in this world as well as in you.  

PRAYER: Father, thank You for your glory. Help me not to focus on my suffering, but help me to place my hope in the better future that is coming!