Romans 8:17-18, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in His sufferings in order that we may also share in His glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."  

Think

Isn't it funny how the words  obvious and  oblivious are so close? There's a Czech car company commercial that describes the features of their car while the street scene around the car changes completely. It's barely noticeable to the viewer, so, at the end, the announcer brings all the changes into view. We are often oblivious to the things that should be so obvious. The same is true when we come face to face with suffering. We can get so caught up in the  now that we lose sight of the  eternal. We focus on our present, earthly conditions rather than our identity in Christ and the eternal benefits that come with that. In Romans 8:17-18, we are reminded that, as believers in Christ, we have been adopted into the family of God, and that makes us HEIRS of God. We get to share in everything that belongs to Him! During His earthly ministry, Jesus Christ suffered, and sharing in His suffering is a part of our walk with God. But the suffering we face here on earth is "not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Let those words sink in - the GLORY of GOD will be revealed in YOU! Every difficulty, every hardship, and every trial - when stacked up against the glory of God - don't come close enough to even begin to compare. This doesn't diminish our suffering, but it emphasizes a shift of focus  away from the temporary pain and  to the eternal, incomparable glory of God.

Act

Find a quiet place in your home or outside and play some songs that shift your focus towards God, His glory and the glory that will be revealed in us, as sons and daughters of the King. The song "Paradise" by Fellowship Creative is a great place to start! Listen on the FC app!

Pray

Heavenly Father, I lift my eyes to You. You are my Rock, my King, my Father, my everything. I love You and choose to praise You during this season of suffering. You are worthy of glory and honor - be glorified through me today! In Jesus' name, Amen.