by Raelynn Smith I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
-Romans 8:18 Since losing a baby at 12 weeks pregnant last year, there’s a “more modernized” version of this verse that I’ve been clinging to. “The pain you have been feeling can’t compare with the joy that is coming”. While I’ve been taking this very literally (I’ve never experienced any greater emotional pain than losing a child, but cling to the joy that our rainbow baby will be sure to bring), I also feel that this moment in my life is a great reminder of the bigger picture. All of the parts of our lives that seem so good and perfect now can’t compare with what we’re going to experience when we get to meet Jesus someday. While I write this, I also reflect on Holy Week. I’m reminded that while many parts of being a sinful human can feel very lonely, whether it be child loss, a break-up, a job change, anything that we think that no one else can possibly understand, there is someone. God. He was forced to watch his only Son, who did nothing wrong, die in order to save every sinful person on earth. He knows pain and suffering. When you think no one else understands, He does. This is also a lesson in patience, something I’m sure we could all stand to work on a bit. And a reminder that God’s plan for us is better than anything we could imagine for ourselves. We need to be willing to wait and trust his timing in order for our lives to turn out exactly how they were intended to, regardless of what we had pictured. God could have saved His son and stopped him from dying, but without experiencing the pain of His death and the wait for Easter, we never would have known the joy of Jesus rising. Romans 8:18 is a promise that no matter what we go through, something better is coming. Jesus is coming. Prayer: Lord, You know pain. When I feel alone, you’re always there. When I feel like no one understands, you do. And through it all, you promise that your plan is perfect. Help me to see you, and give me peace while I wait to see the plans you have for me. Amen.
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About the AuthorsThe authors of this Lenten devotional are all staff members of Zion Lutheran Church & School of Wayside. They have answered the call to preach and teach the good news of salvation to both the young and the old of the school and congregation. This group of believers have a strong faith rooted in the Word. They are all members of the church professing the Christian faith and are excited to share their love of Jesus with you during this season. Archives
January 2025
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