Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Suffering in a fallen world - "Earthly groanings leads to us Eternal glory"

Romans 8:18-25

In this epistle, apostle Paul is writing to Romans that the suffering in this world is not even worth comparing to the Glory that is in store for us in heavenly dwellings. The present pandemic crisis is revealing to us that all of humanity is suffering due to Covid 19. It has created profound anxiety and uncertainty in human life. Christians are not immune to these sufferings, but Paul is reminding us that these sufferings are temporary and not to compare between the present hard times but to await the coming good times of eternity. 

During this Lenten Journey, it's time to remove obstacles and dedicate ourselves to growing more in Christ. Jesus shows us how to face temptation and grow into a deeper relationship with God. 

In verses 19 & 20 the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope.

Due to the fall of Adam and Eve (Genesis 3:12 ) as they insisted on their own way rather than pursuing the will of God incredibly good creation began to crumble in wickedness. 

As our citizenship is in heaven the entire creation awaits eagerly for our savior Jesus Christ. Now. Paul describes Christians as people who wait with patience for hope, we don't see with our eyes but trust that the Lord uses our everyday sufferings in our lives for his purposes and to reveal his glory. V21 -that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22:We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now. Psalms 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. 

This earthly suffering is experienced by all his creations, like the various natural disasters in this present day and age. V 23-We are the first fruits of the spirit yet groan while we wait. The creation will be liberated from its bondage to decay to see the sons of God so that it will be freed from bondage along with mankind.V24-25 This is a cursed earth, a new earth, and a new heaven is yet to be seen in glory, so we should not focus on our present-day problems or sufferings but to focus our eyes on the author and perfector of our faith Apostle Paul himself suffered many afflictions but reminds us that suffering should not destroy our hope in the lord instead reminds us to use our sufferings to glorify God. 

Prayer
Heavenly father in this world we have many trials and troubles, but you have overcome the world. Our hope should be rooted in what we don't see and not the present-day suffering. Thank you, Lord, for assuring that the present suffering will end when Christ returns. May this season of Lent be a real blessing for all of us.
 

Thought for the Day
Path to glory is paved with suffering so Trust his plans and not your pains. 
 

Mrs. Anitha John
The Mar Thoma Church, Staten Island

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