Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-

 

Hope in the Midst of Suffering

Bible Reading: Romans 8:19-25  

Key Verse  “But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently." Romans 8:25 (NIV)  

DEVOTION

Suffering is an undeniable reality in our world. We experience pain, loss, and trials that test our faith. Yet, Paul reminds us in Romans 8:19-25 that creation itself groans under the weight of brokenness, eagerly awaiting the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Our suffering is not meaningless, rather it points to the hope of restoration in Christ.  
Paul describes our hope as eagerness, comparing our struggles to the pains of childbirth. Just as a mother endures pain with the assurance of new life, we endure suffering with the hope of God’s ultimate renewal. This hope is not wishful thinking but a confident trust in God's promises.  
Christian hope is rooted in the resurrection of Christ. Because Jesus conquered sin and death, we are assured that suffering will not have the final word. The Spirit strengthens us in our waiting, helping us persevere as we anticipate the glory to come. Our faith calls us to be patient, knowing that the fullness of God’s kingdom will be revealed in His perfect time.  
Let us hold fast to hope, not as an escape from suffering, but as the assurance that God’s redemption is at hand.

   PRAYER

Lord, in the midst of suffering, help us to fix our eyes on the hope of Your promises. Strengthen our faith and give us patience as we await Your redemption. Amen.  

Thought for the day

Hope in Christ transforms our suffering into a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

George Abraham, LIMTC, NY

Popular posts from this blog

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
  Constant, patient and welcoming love of God   St. Luke 15: 11-32  V.21: And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ The parable of the ‘Prodigal son’ is one of the most frequently quoted parables that Jesus told His disciples. The parable contains the rich mine of human virtues and emotions. This parable is lived and re-lived in progressing civilizations from time immemorial and continuing. It brings out in vivid detail the pathetic depth of human sinfulness and the glorious heights of God’s forgiveness.      As a story of human nature, fathers are generally merciful to their children in any circumstance. They are very protective and are eager to provide for and secure the lives of their offspring. Jesus is telling this parable to underscore the superlative love of God to His children. The nature of such love is reiterated by Jesus in Matthew 7:11. Humankind wh...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
Revelation for Liberation Acts 27:18-26 Sherine Thomas Long Island MTC, NY 20  When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest raged, all hope of our being saved was at last abandoned. “After winter comes the summer.  After night comes the dawn.  And after every storm, there comes clear open skies” so said a Scottish clergyman from the 1600s. It’s been said, that hope can sometimes be the most dangerous weapon.  However, it’s sometimes the hardest weapon to carry when you’re living with the loss of a loved one, something that almost feels like a terrible nightmare that’ll never go away.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry when day in and day out no one seems to hear or see those tears that are shed or silent cries that are made during a heartfelt prayer. It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you see your loved one lying on that hospital bed.  It’s a weapon difficult to carry as you search and seek out answers to tel...
Read more

Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

-
PRIESTHOOD: THE ANOINTED MINISTRY Exodus 40:12-16 Bring Aaron and his sons to the entrance to the Tent of Meeting... wash them with water. Then dress Aaron in the sacred garments, anoint him and consecrate him so he may serve me as priest (Exodus 40: 12-13). Priesthood among the people of God was a divine command and initiation. God wanted some people to be separated for the special ministry among his people. God appointed Aaron and his descendants to take up this kind of ministry among the people of God. Priests are always separated and appointed as channels that connect God with his people. All throughout the history of Israel, priests played an important role in connecting people with God and to lead and guide them in the statutes of God. But there are incidents in the Bible where the priests failed in their duties and that led the people to go away from God. So the priests have a special and significant ministry to perform in this world among his people. Two important things...
Read more