Suffering

Romans 8:17 And since we are children, we share his treasures -- for everything God gives to his son, Christ, is ours too. But if we are to share His glory, we must also share His suffering.

Suffering is different for everyone. There are thousands around the world being persecuted for being a child of God. Here in America, we are lucky to have the freedom of religion. Yes we may be mocked or scorned, but we are to share in the suffering of Christ. Shutting up when the co-worker that annoys you the most spills their life's sorrows: suffering. Being in a hurry and driving behind a person who thinks the speed limit on the highway is 30 and NOT cursing them from here to eternity: suffering. Trying to remember who you represent when a co worker tears you a new one for something you didn't do: suffering.

We can't have treasure without suffering. But the best part is....all of the suffering, completely worth it (more than actually)

Romans 8:18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will give us later.

I love the way this is worded. It is NOTHING compared to the glory that is waiting. How much we suffer, how often, or how terrible it will become is nothing compared to what God has made for us. To be honest the afterlife scares me, not that it's a scary place but it's just the fear of the unknown that introduces fear in my heart. But then I remember WHY it's unknown....it's too amazing for my human mind to grasp. Life isn't fair, I will get hurt, sins of others and my own sin will stomp like crazy on my life....but it's nothing compared to what God has for me.

Romans 8:19 For all creation is wating eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who His children really are.

A lot of people forget that when man committed the first sin, not only did we fall but creation fell as well. The first time an animal was killed was for Adam and Eve to clothe themselves after they sinned. There was no death, no killing, no predators, no food chain. There was peace, love, and joy. But after the fall a different plan went into effect. There HAD to be a food chain so God could take care of his creation. The animals, birds, organisms, atoms, EVERYTHING shouts of His glory. But they, like us, are waiting for His return. Waiting to be new, waiting to live in Eden once again.