I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed to us. Romans 8:8
There is an amazing power to being still. This Saturday I was doing a job that forces you to be still and quiet for three, two hour periods. For the day I brought a book to read, my Bible and a notebook. It's been a while since I have been able to just sit and read and think for this many hours at a time...what a blessing it was! I began reading in Romans 8, then realized a connection that I have never noticed before...Romans 8 comes right after Romans 7! Yes, obvious I know but Romans 7 is all about struggling with sin..."For when we were controlled by the sinful nature(flesh), the sinful passions aroused by the law were at work in our bodies, so that we bore fruit for death. But now, by dying to what once bound us, we have been released from the law so that we serve in the new way of the spirit." Romans 7:5-6 THEN Romans 8 begins with the great, "Therefore, there is now no condemnations for those who are in Christ Jesus..."!!! It is the message of salvation that is seen throughout the Word but written in a way that gives me a new perspective on more than just my sin. Romans 8:5-8 says, "but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind of the sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace." What a great reminder to me that when I sin, it is, in part, because my mind is not set on what the Spirit desires! (1)
To grasp the glory of God is impossible by through reading these chapters my heart is encouraged and rests knowing that in comparison to the glory I will see when I meet Jesus- this present suffering in nothing. On a day like today, why my heart is heavy and I am SO weary of this world. It is good to find the perspective of Romans 8, it comforts me and I find while reading it that all these things going on are important but in the grand scheme of things they just don't matter that much. These hardships are bringing me closer to God-what a sweet, sweet blessing. There is nothing greater that experiencing God drawing me closer to Him, truly knowing that I am part of His sonship-while that may bring suffering, I praise Him and thank Him for it because I desire to be drawn closer to Him-whatever it takes. It's been a difficult decade but now, walking in obedience I have the Savior or the world backing me up. The king who will crush His enemies, who is just and full of compassion. He is the one I depend on and rest in His presence.
"For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you receive the Spirit of sonship (or adoption). And by him we cry "Abba, Father."...The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children..."
(1) Go hear for a great sermon in Psalms
I was so convicted after reading only the first line of your post--I guess Scripture does that to us. I so appreciated your email this morning--thank you for praying for me. I've really, really grieved over the past couple of days over the infertility thing, and I keep asking God--how can I give this to You anymore? What am I holding on to that You require? And when it comes down to it, I think I just grieve anyway. I know that God is good and sovereign. I just struggle to believe it at times.
ReplyDeleteYou said, "There is nothing greater that experiencing God drawing me closer to Him, truly knowing that I am part of His sonship-while that may bring suffering, I praise Him and thank Him for it because I desire to be drawn closer to Him-whatever it takes...The king who will crush His enemies, who is just and full of compassion. He is the one I depend on and rest in His presence." This is such a comfort to me, and it reminds me of the proper perspective to have. Thank you for praying and thank you for sharing this.
-g-