His Glory

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

I've been thinking on this verse all week. Of course this verse is relative. It would mean different things to various Christians around the world. To a believer in Sudan, it would mean living in a refugee camp, struggling for your existence, trying to save your children from starvation. That present suffering, would be incredibly difficult to hand over to the Father, and trust that He is working in and around your situation.

For an underground believer in China, that statement would mean persecution in all it's various forms, the inability to get gainful employment, the constant fear of being found out, the trauma of seeing your family and friends threatened for the cause of Christ. To think about God's glory in the midst of that situation is incredible really. To know that God is ruling and reigning regardless of the circumstances you find yourself in.

In my case, it's bitterness, jealousy and the ability to forgive and extend grace to your enemies and those who hurt you and those that you love. It's a difficult struggle to lay down your rights, and those things you desperately want to cling to, but Daddy is faithful. He is more than able to conquer my selfish state, He can create a new heart in mine, and lead me to calm waters and beautiful places once again. He is working out my life for His glory. He will never leave me in a circumstance without knowing that it will fully change my character. To trust Him in the midst of those circumstances is a trying, but beautiful thing. Oh to do it fully with abandon.