Romans 8:18-31 (NIV) Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Everyone and everything is under the weight of sin. Our world is far from perfect. People are short tempered and mean. It seems like it is only getting worse. But is it? Has the world gotten worse? Did not Cain kill Able? So what do we do? Do we give up and give in to the negativity? Or do we live with hope for a better world to come?
As for me, I choose to live in hope. I try to filter out the bad stuff. My knowing about it is not going to help. Sometimes I feel a little ill informed but that is better than being burdened with bad things I cannot change. I figure I should focus on things I can change. I would like to focus on the people around me and build relationships. Perhaps I can make someone’s day a little brighter. I learn and use the name of our waiter or waitress. I compliment people every chance I get. If we can concern ourselves with our own corner of the world and work toward shining our light in that corner, then the world will improve.
How will you live today, tomorrow and into the future? Do you have hope? If not, shouldn’t you? All of creation is waiting to be redeemed. Creation cannot redeem itself. Only you can go to God and ask for forgiveness and redemption. Then, all of creation can be redeemed with you! And if God would redeem you, He would redeem others with you. “9 The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9). God is wanting and waiting to bless you. Will you receive those blessings? A lot depends on your faith but God will make it happen!
Lord, thank You for the gift of all creation. It is magnificent. Help us to walk in Your ways. You gave us Your Word to guide us to the destiny You prepared for us. In that Word, You teach us to love one another. Help us to shine Your light into our dark world bringing it back to Your original design. In your name we pray! Amen!