December 14, 2016 – Romans 8:18

I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18Waiting expectantly! Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord. Psalm 27:14How do we measure our present suffering?  When the doctor asks what level of pain, between 1 and 10 are we experiencing, we just want to say, I don’t know, I just know it hurts!  When Mom’s pulmonary fibrosis grew worse, her impatience with the Lord grew.  She often asked God, Why?  Why can’t I go home now?We are called to be brave and courageous through intense suffering on this earth.  This brave and courageous thing can’t be faked.  How can we be sure we are genuine in this brave and courageous stance? It is when we put our hand in the hands of Christ Jesus and trust his leading. We understand then we are ‘under construction’ and God isn’t finished with us yet.The more our hearts suffer, the more alone we feel.  The whole of God’s creation awaits His coming along with us. Yesterday I watched as the left-over dry leaves whirred around in a circle on the light snow.  They left bird-like tracks in the snow.  The wind kept them captive dancing…and praising God.  They were an example for me.  God-creation is waiting breathlessly in anticipation for the glory of God to be revealed in the sons and daughters, the family of God.And I sing, Amazing Love, glorious love of our Lord God, our Savior. Lord, through all the generations you have been our home! Before the mountains were born, before you gave birth to the earth and the world, from beginning to end, you are God. Psalm 90:1-2  (Anna wrote “Love is Home, Home is Love!”