"Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are." Romans 8:18-19
I recently had the privilege of watching one of my dearest friends and running buddies give birth. Having had C-sections myself, I watched this miracle of childbirth as I kept thinking that it looked very painful. While she was lovingly holding her new son later, I had to ask, "What's more painful, childbirth or running a marathon?" She said she didn't know, they both hurt alot! Oh praise God for humor! The bible has something to say about pain and children as well. Romans 8:16-17 says, "For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children. And since we are his children, we are his heirs. In fact, together with Christ we are heirs of God’s glory. But if we are to share his glory, we must also share his suffering."
In Roman culture, an adopted child lost all rights to his old family but gained all rights to his new one including becoming a full heir to his new father's estate. When we become a Christian, the same thing happens. We become full heirs of God's glory. As children of God, we are now led by the Holy Spirit leaving our old lives behind and have an inheritance of forgiveness and eternal life. Just as we share in that glory, though, we must also share in suffering. We can face ridicule, harassment and even death as a price for being adopted as God's children. But we can smile knowing that, "what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later."
Pain and suffering will last but a moment compared with the eternity we will spend with our Father in heaven. And nothing we suffer can ever compare to what Jesus suffered to give us this gift of "sonship" or adoption. Let us continue to wait eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are. What a glorious day that will be!!
Heavenly Father, Thank you for loving us so much that you would adopt us into your family making us, together with Christ, full heirs of your glory. Help us to endure whatever pain and suffering this world gives us as we continue to wait eagerly for the resurrection when we will be reunited once and for all with you, our Father and King. Let us consider our pain a reminder that we are sons and daughters of God. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Children of God - Third Day
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