Romans 8(b)
Future Glory
18. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons 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 glorious freedom 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 as sons, 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 he already has? 25But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26. In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God’s will.
More Than Conquerors
28. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
31. What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? 33. Who will bring any charge against those whom God has chosen? It is God who justifies. 34. Who is he that condemns? Christ Jesus, who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us. 35. Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or hardship or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? 36. As it is written: “For your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” 37. No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39. neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
One of the hallmarks of chronic depression is the lack of hope. A life that is full of worries and striving will over a period of time reap hopelessness. It is very difficult to keep looking forward to the end where we win, when we seem to be beaten down every day. I really don’t think it’s an easy thing for us to wake up every morning and face each new day with an ever positive attitude that will always conquer all.
This is where life in community comes into play. As we share our true feelings with each other the pressure is released and we no longer feel like we always have to have all of the answers, or live with a fully joyful attitude every minute. As humans we can get dragged down from time to time. When being dragged down becomes a way of life, we need to find somebody to share life with. Two or more together can win battles where one person would be overwhelmed. After all, you cant watch your own back!
God’s word here offers much hope for our future. Can you believe that it is written to you?
What battles can these words help you find victory over?
Where do you run when you feel sad and lonely?
Does your future seem bright?