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Romans 8:18-21
18 I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. 19 The whole creation waits breathless with anticipation for the revelation of God's sons and daughters. 20 Creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice—it was the choice of the one who subjected it—but in the hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from slavery to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of God's children.
REFLECT
A guy happened upon another guy who was hitting himself in the head with a hammer. He asked, "Hey, why are you hitting yourself with that hammer?" The other guy responded, "Because it feels so good when I stop."
OK, stupid story. But it is true that good stuff seems so much better in direct contrast to bad stuff. For example, after it rains everyday for a week, that first sunny day seems all the more beautiful, doesn't it? Enduring bad stuff helps us to appreciate good stuff more.
In today's passage, Paul acknowledges that life isn't always fair, it isn't always easy, and there will be bad stuff that frustrates us and, sometimes, even causes us to suffer. But, he says, the worst of the worst that life deals us is nothing compared to the best of the best that God has in store for us in Heaven.
So, what will Heaven be like? We have some idea, by contrasting the bad stuff. If you have ever felt alone and rejected...if you have ever been betrayed or ridiculed...if you have ever been sick...if you have ever mourned the loss of a loved one...you have experienced the opposite of Heaven.
But God does much more than sit around saying, "Just wait for Heaven." God offers us hope, guidance, and comfort everyday.
RESPOND
When faced with life's bad stuff, turn to God in prayer.
RELATE
If today's devotion spoke to you in a particular way and you feel led to share your thoughts with others, please do so.
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