I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:18-21
Dear heavenly Father… first of all, please know that I do not presume on the privilege of calling you Father… Abba, Father. What a sacred and joyful honor. It’s only because of the work of Jesus, that I dare refer to you by such an intimate and comforting name. How I praise you for adopting me into your family and into your future.
Indeed, Father, I’m stunned and stirred as I think about the future you’ve secured for us, your beloved children… and for the whole of creation—a future that puts all suffering, decay and bondage into perspective. O that I might know more of the “eager expectation” for “glorious freedom” that marked Paul’s life and groans within creation.
“Glorious freedom”… may those two words be tattooed on my heart… an irrepressible melody in my spirit… the lens through which I see all things and participate in your work in the world. Not just “freedom,” but “glorious freedom”—freedom filled with your glory!
Please Father, open the eyes of my heart wider to behold the “glory to be revealed” in us and in creation. Heal me of spiritual myopia. Get the morning gunk out of my eyes. Do gospel-laser surgery so that I can behold these things more clearly, and live and love accordingly.
I don’t want just to quote Paul, but join Paul in proclaiming, “I consider that the present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed.”
In the midst of decay, I want to be for your delight. In the frustrations of creation, let me savor the firstfruits of your salvation. Rather than being weighed down by present sufferings, I want to be hope-filled by future liberations. So very Amen, I pray, in Jesus’ strong and saving name.
