+DEV+ I'll Wait for Heaven

Date: January 26, 2011 12:14 AM
Topic: +DEV+ I'll Wait for Heaven

I'll Wait for Heaven

"...Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently" (Romans 8:18, 25).
Scripture Focus: Romans 8:18-28

"If you don't pick up your play dough, you won't be allowed to play with it for a very, very long time!" the young mother threatened.

Her toddler thought for a moment and asked, "Can I play with it when I get to heaven?"

Waiting wouldn't be so bad if we always thought of our delays with an eternal perspective. Instead we fret, wanting to know when our struggle will be over. Will my problem end in a week or in a month? Will the relationship be restored soon?

Paul reminds the Romans that allowing God's glory to shine through their struggle gives them strength to wait. Paul focuses attention on God being glorified through suffering, not on God ending it. Some people use this passage to justify that God is obligated to smooth out life's problems. God's eternal perspective does not limit the fulfillment of His promises to our timetable. Regardless of when He brings an answer, we can be as satisfied as the toddler who will once again play with his play dough - even if he waits until heaven.

Insight: Instead of focusing on your struggles, ask God to give you an eternal perspective of your problems. Allow His glory to shine through you.