TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Read: Romans 8:18-30
Listen: Romans 8
TODAY’S MESSAGE
The Jesus-followers in Rome are no strangers to suffering. Placing their faith and trust in Jesus, they pay a severe price for what they believe. Historians tell us they are kicked out of the city, experience the loss of jobs and their place in the guilds and lose close relationships when family members and friends are no longer willing to associate with them. This unique suffering is in addition to the regular suffering experienced by everyone in the 1st century: poor health, the death of loved ones, economic challenges and family misunderstandings.
We probably don’t suffer for our faith in Jesus in the same way, but we are all familiar with pain and suffering. Family tensions, the passing of family and friends, job loss and severe health issues are all sources of physical, emotional and psychological distress. It ranges from disappointing to crushing.
We are a pain-averse culture. We do almost anything to avoid pain or suffering. But the Bible tells us God is working in and through our pain. That God uses our suffering to make us more like Jesus. Properly understood, GOSPEL CHANGE can redefine pain and suffering.
IN YOUR CHAIR TIME TODAY
Begin this week with open hands as you commit to God the painful thing in your life. Pray a prayer like this, “Father, I offer to you today ___________________, the most painful thing in my life. I do not know how you can use this to make me more like Jesus, but this is what I want. While I want this situation to change, I pray for you to change me. Amen.”
2023 SPIRITUAL PRACTICES
Join us all of 2023 developing a different spiritual practice each month. SPIRITUAL PRACTICES are intentional regular activities to deepen our relationship with God and mold us to be more like Jesus.
March is FASTING. Keep track of our spiritual practices at beyondtheweekend.org/spiritualpractices.
Download a printable PDF of the BTW week here.
