The Glory to be Revealed
Date: November 27, 2023
I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional.
B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Voice and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases
S - Summarize and Share
You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?
B - Bible Verse (NIV): "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us." - Romans 8:18 (NIV)
L - Listen for God's Voice and Pray: Heavenly Father, as I reflect on this verse, help me to understand the depth of your promises. In times of suffering and hardship, grant me the strength to keep my eyes fixed on the glorious future you have prepared for me.
E - Explore the History and Meaning: The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. He wrote this letter to the Christians in Rome, addressing various theological and practical aspects of the Christian faith. In this verse, Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering in our present lives but encourages believers to maintain hope and perspective. He reminds us that whatever suffering we face now pales in comparison to the future glory that God has in store for His children.
S - Study the Key Words or Phrases:
"Sufferings of this present time": Paul acknowledges that we live in a world where suffering is a part of life. It can encompass various forms of challenges, hardships, and trials.
"Glory that is to be revealed to us": Paul contrasts our present sufferings with the future glory that God has promised to reveal to those who trust in Him. This glory includes the fullness of God's presence, eternal life, and redemption from all suffering.
S - Summarize and Share:
Today, I find immense comfort in Romans 8:18. It's like a soothing balm to the wounds that life's struggles can inflict on our hearts. The Apostle Paul's words remind me that no matter how heavy the burdens of today may feel, they can’t even compare to the glory that awaits us in God's eternal plan.
You see, there have been moments when life's trials seemed unbearable. When the weight of challenges and disappointments pressed down on me, it was easy to lose sight of hope. But this verse acts as a beacon, guiding me through the darkest nights. It whispers that our present troubles are but a brief chapter in the grand story of God's redemption.
In my own life, I've faced situations that left me questioning why they had to happen. Times when I couldn't fathom how any good could come from the pain I was enduring. Yet, as I've journeyed through these trials, I've witnessed the transformative power of faith. It's like a resilient thread that weaves through the fabric of our lives, holding us together when everything seems to unravel.
And here's the beauty of it all: the promise of Romans 8:18 isn't just for me; it's for you too. We're all part in this incredible narrative of redemption. It invites us to view our struggles through a different lens, one that sees beyond the immediate discomfort and glimpses the eternal glory that God is fashioning for us.
So, as we navigate the challenges of today and those that await us in the future, let's hold onto this verse as a source of hope and encouragement. It reminds us that the story is far from over, and our present suffering is but a introduction to the grand finale of God's grace. May we find strength in knowing that the trials we face are shaping us for a glory beyond compare.
Bible cross-references that relate to Romans 8:18:
2 Corinthians 4:17 (NIV): "For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all."
1 Peter 1:6-7 (NIV): "In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed."
2 Timothy 2:12 (NIV): "if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us;"
Revelation 21:4 (NIV): "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."