November 8

November 8, 2011~

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” ~Romans 8:18, NIV

There are just some days where everything seems to go wrong, I don’t get the things I want, or need to get accomplish done, traffic is hectic, the cost of gas, not to mention everything else is going up and up. Stress seems to be pushing in from every direction becoming my daily companion. Could Romans 8:18 be the solution for today’s stresses?

As I ponder what these words from Paul really mean, I ask, what was going on in Paul’s life? What was going on in the early Christian church? It is clear to me that Paul was speaking from personal experience. He already had experienced many painful experiences by the time he wrote these words, and suffered much for Christ and the truth that he loved.

I believe Paul was looking ahead, to what was to come. In light of eternity, what he was suffering was but a very small and temporary thing as he mentions in 2 Cor. 4:17, “Our light affliction….is but for a moment.”

When Paul wrote these words, I really don’t think that he, or the Christian’s he was writing to, were worried about the cost of gas or traffic, instead they were counting the cost of their lives. Many had lost their lives because of what they believed. Now, that is what I call real stress! Paul was trying to encourage them and bring to their attention what is really important! These things are only for a moment, but eternal glory will be exactly that, eternal! They will soon pass away, but eternal glory will never dim or diminish forever!

The message he gave the early Christians is just as real for Christians today. Yes, compared to eternity all our sufferings, “stresses,” become insignificant.

Happy For A Reason Reasons:

1.      A letter from God, the Bible.

2.      God’s promises are sure!

3.      The promise of an eternity with no stress!

4.      The example of Paul’s life.

5.      “Our light affliction….is but for a moment." Just think, ...how wonderful Heaven will be! Eternity with Jesus!