"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
I thought I was really suffering yesterday afternoon. Note the word thought. I had to purchase food to feed a group of people who are coming this weekend.The group will be building bunkbeds at a nearby orphanage. There will be two families staying with us and on Saturday we are taking lunch to the orphanage so I needed to buy something like 160 slices of bread, not to mention numerous packs of ham, veggies, fruit and the big necessity, cookies. Costco can be overwhelming on a normal day, but try going with six children to buy food for up to 50 people for 4 days.
When I suffer (or think I am suffering), I usually get mad at my husband. Is this a right response? No, but it somehow seems, to my twisted way of thinking to be more his fault than God's (blaming God would be a direct lack of trust, but really, if I blame my God given head, it is just as sinful) when I am in difficulty. Now, I realize it is really wrong to get mad at your husband for wanting to serve God and feed orphans but my flesh often seems to transform my mind, rather than the Spirit of God.
It was great to read Romans 8 this morning with my children and see a few truths.
Truth #1-The sufferings of this present time, are nothing compared with the glory to come.
Truth #2-The whole creation groans and travails in pain (all of us struggle as we wait for God, and his coming glory).
Truth #3-The Spirit of God is praying for our weaknesses (yes I am weak, but God is going to help me).
Truth #4-We can conquer through Christ who loves us (God can help us get victory, through His Word over wrong thinking patterns).
Truth #5-Nothing can separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
I thank God for His word, which encourages me, that even in struggles, great or small, He is with us and working things out for His glory.
Jennifer Pepito-TOS Chapel Editor
