Devotional

“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. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” Romans 8:18-30

We are foreigners on this earth. A minority that lives by the Spirit and not by the flesh. We need one another to be whole and we need God to be complete. The sufferings we experience on earth will come to an end when the children of God are glorified. We groan inwardly as our bodies age and weaken, then we will transition from our temporary bodies into our glorified bodies in heaven. We have been promised this, so we anticipate with hope, waiting patiently. The Spirit keeps us aligned with God’s will, for the Spirit knows His will. The Spirit is our helper that will bring us back when we stray.

Even our suffering will be worked out for our good, which includes being conformed to the image of the Son. Not just some, but all things will lead to His purpose. This is why we can endure suffering on earth, like Jesus who saw the glory on the other side of His crucifixion, we are predestined, called, justified and glorified. For those that follow Jesus, these things are a done deal, for God foreknew this. In the meantime, all of creation groans in this fallen world, but God’s will is being accomplished as we speak. Not our will, but Thy will be done.

Prayer

Lord, your Word states that you know all things and that your will is perfect. I believe that and yet I struggle daily to trust that you know what you are doing or that it will be for my good. Life’s circumstances can seem overwhelming and messy, and still you are neither surprised nor deterred in seeing your plans through to their fruition. Help me to trust that your plans are better than my plans and your ways better than my ways. I often think I know best, all the while my plans contributing to the messiness. And still you remain faithful and work all things for my good as I love you and lean into your calling on my life. Lead me through your Word and by the power of your Holy Spirit. Amen.

Scripture Memorization

Romans 8:28 “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Photo Credit: Bill Zielinski @zphotobc

Music Credit: Beautiful Things – Shane & Shane, The Worship Initiative

Devotional Written by: Sambi Katano

Prayer: Pastor Deborah Downs