"Worth It All" August 18 Readings: Ecclesiastes 5-6, Romans 8:18–39, Psalm 96:7–13, Proverbs 20:21–23

Today's Readings - Ecclesiastes 5-6, Romans 8:18–39, Psalm 96:7–13, Proverbs 20:21–23

Devotional - Worth It All 

All of God's Word is inspired, inerrant, God-breathed and useful to teach, correct, and train us in righteousness. It's all God's and it's all good. But there are still certain mountaintops among the passages of God's Word. If there is a Mt. Everest in the Bible, it is Romans 8. Starting with the affirmation that there is no condemnation in Christ, through the promise that all things work for the good of those who love him, and ending with the promise that nothing can separate us from the love of Christ. We could do a year of daily devotions from this passage and not exhaust its glories. Today, though, I'd like to focus on one of my favorite verses.

I've had some challenges and frustrations in my life recently, but nothing I've experienced compares to the suffering, hardship, and persecution that was a daily reality in the life of the Apostle Paul. He was rejected, lied about, beaten, pressured, hounded, and harassed on a daily basis. I am afraid that I would crumble after a day or so of the kind of suffering that man went through. 

And then he goes and says something amazing like Romans 8:18!

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.

That was in no way intended to belittle or deny the extreme suffering that Paul was going through. It was real and painful. But he was asserting that heaven is so glorious, so wonderful, that it makes all of our troubles and trials seem like nothing in comparison. 

Think about that. Heaven will be so amazing that all of the sufferings of life will seem like nothing in that moment in which we join Jesus there. 

Paul uses a vivid illustration of how all of creation longs for heaven's rest, in verse 22, where he talks about creation groaning as with labor pains. What a fit illustration of our lives on this earth, as we serve Christ. 

I have been present for the birth of four children, but have not experienced anything like birth pains. From what I understand, the pains are no fun, and as the moment draws nearer, they get more and more intense. Finally, just before the blessed moment of birth, they can be excruciating. But the moment you hold that precious baby in your hands, you are filled with joy. Yes, the pain was real and you can remember it. But it was worth it to hold this little bundle of blessing in your arms. 

That is life for the believer. Birth pains. We await that glorious moment in which our suffering is over and we are in the presence of Jesus Christ. Sometimes the pains come and life is hard and harsh. Then the pain goes away for a time and all is well. The pain returns. It grows more intense, more frequent. But one day, the pain gives way to glory as we are (if you will) again born again!  We pass from this world into the next and we receive all the blessings promised to us in Christ and because of his death. 

At that moment, at that very moment, all the pain is gone and all that is left is joy. We are there, in the presence of the Savior - home at last. 

And at that moment, regardless of how hard life might have been at times, we will say with the Apostle Paul, "our sufferings were not worth comparing to this glory!" 

It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of his dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ.

Father, help me to hold on to the hope of glory when I life in this world seems tough, to remember that one glimpse of the Savior's face will erase the memories of pain from this world of sin.  

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Are you going through hard times?
Do you find yourself looking at the pain, the sorrow, the hardships?
Remember what lies ahead and persevere, knowing that "it will be worth it all!"