Romans 8 is an incredible chapter of Scripture, full of all kinds of great truths. From the very beginning where we are reminded that there is no condemnation for those who love God to the very end where we are promised that nothing can separate us from God's love, there are all kinds of good promises in there.
Tucked in the middle, in verses 16-17, it says: The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.
Ugh. I like the children, heirs, co-heirs stuff. That sounds pretty good to me. But verse 17, not so much.
Nobody welcomes suffering, but anyone who has gone through it with an open heart knows that the our relationship with God is strengthened most in the hard times. When we ask God to draw us closer to Himself …. when we give Him permission to mold us and shape us …. sometimes that is opening up the possibility of suffering.
Regardless of what you are going through today … .whether you are in a phase of life where you are sharing in Christ’s glory — or a time when you are sharing in his suffering — know this: God will use this time in your life to bring you closer to Him.
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