When Life is Uphill - Pt 4

 

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we await for it with patience. (Romans 8:18-25 ESV).

 

While I am writing this devotional about a week before it will be published, my hope is that by the time you read it Mary and I will have “snuck off” for a quick trip to our place. Of course, those of you who know us also know that place is the Smoky Mountains. The picture I’ve attached was taken some years ago in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, at the Old Mill. Let me make the comparison and illustration of today’s thought clearer. This morning (actual day) I mowed. I started at 10:30 am and finished about 1:30 pm. Yes, I was riding the tractor, but it was really hot even at that hour. The heat index reached 105, while the air temperature hit 101. It is a typical Texas summer day for August. My curiosity led me to weigh before and after mowing… I lost two pounds just riding the mower! It is hot. In the Smokies the weather is much better. The forecast is for highs in the lower 80’s and lows in the 50’s. And, I won’t be doing anything more strenuous than casting my fly rod! Texas heat is nothing compared to that!

 

Our reading begins with that kind of declaration in relationship to our uphill journey in life. To be clear, claiming what this verse says is easier for some than for others. It depends on what kind of suffering you have experienced or are currently enduring. However, Paul is being realistic. Whether it’s trying to make sense of ourselves, fighting off sin, struggling in relationship, bearing wounds of brokenness, being limited by health, enduring the pain of depression or a host of other situations, suffering is real for Christians as well as non-Christians.

 

Paul wants us to gain perspective, so he invites us to compare our suffering to the glory that will be revealed in us. But Paul does not define that glory as life without adversity, as if we won’t have health issues or financial needs or marital struggles or the like. Our goal is not so much to beat suffering as it is to live fully and completely as children of God. He also reminds us that we have his Spirit—always. And the Spirit will help us in all situations, interceding for us even if we struggle to pray. Even in the worst of times, we are not alone. We can find great comfort in that.

 

When we suffer, we need that reminder. We may want an easier life, but what we need most is to know that God is continually with us and at work in us. Trust that!