“Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later. For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are.” (Romans 8:18-19 NLT)
At first glance we may look at the verses above and think: “Finally, I’ll know I’ve been right all along about ‘them’! I know they’re not living like they should!” But that’s not Paul’s heart as he writes the words above. My sense is we’ll be so focused on the joy of seeing Jesus we’ll not be at all concerned about who else has or hasn’t made it in that moment.
What Paul is referring to here is our expectation of what we will become in Christ in eternity. In light of all we face here – the heartache, pain, suffering, physical, mental, emotional, financial, relational, and other problems with which we have to deal in this mortal body – won’t it be great to put all of that behind us and enjoy a perfect, painless, fully functioning body that will not be the source of any issues for all eternity!
Dr. David Jeremiah had it right when he wrote: “Our journey through life is like children who anticipate Christmas morning. They know something exciting awaits them, but they don’t know what it is until they unwrap it. Likewise, God has put in the human heart a longing, anticipation, and expectation that eternal joy is coming, yet for now we can’t know the totality of God’s plans and purposes until they are revealed. So, we live in a state of expectation and trust in the present: expectation based on God’s promises and trust based on His faithfulness.”
Which begs the question, are YOU filled with joyful expectation as you face your future? In your heart and mind, what lies just beyond the horizon for you? Are you dreading another eviction notice, negative medical report, being fired from your job, your spouse walking out, or getting mugged in the grocery store parking lot?
Is your cup always half empty or less because you’re so filled with dread it’s hard to get out of bed and face the prospects of yet another frustrating and painful day? Even today, as I write, I’m weak, tired, and feel like going to bed and pulling the covers over my head, but the joy of Jesus motivates me to do what I don’t physically feel like doing.
My love for Jesus and His love for me sustains and strengthens my spirit, body, soul, and mind, enabling me to do what I might otherwise choose not to do. While I can’t completely wrap my mind around what my resurrected body will be like, I imagine having capabilities I literally can’t even imagine yet. I smile just thinking about setting this body of clay aside and assuming ownership of my brand-new eternal body. Aren’t you glad your love for Jesus is far more than just the days of this life? I sure am.
But to you who are suffering and every day is a struggle, please “look up, for your salvation is near!” As a believer in Jesus what we see is not all there is. Yes, of course, in the midst of pain, heartache, and suffering it seems all encompassing, but here’s the truth – it’s not! There’s something the next breath might bring that is better than anything we’ve ever imagined. Let your dread become expectation as you invite Jesus to control your heart, mind and thoughts, as He prepares you for best journey you’ve ever taken.
Food for thought.
Blessings, Ed 😊
Walking With Jesus 