Momentum For Monday, June 26th 2023

 "Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble, and prayerful always.” (Romans 12:12)

Do you remember graduating from high school? It is such an exciting time in life. Some are happy to leave, some reluctant. For me, I was one of those happy

ones.

There was so much anticipation and hope for what my future held and all that was possible. As graduating seniors, the world was ours for the taking, or so they told us.

But now that I'm in my late thirties, those feelings have faded like some of those memories. Life hasn't really panned out how I hoped and I struggled more than I ever expected. Now, that's probably due to my young naivety, but still, someone should have warned a girl.

Then I read verses like Romans 12:12 and my soul perks up. It's no coincidence that Paul instructed to be hopeful and patient in the same thought. One verse holds so much intent.

Long-suffering (what the old school King James Version names patience) and joyful anticipation (also known as hope) are not something I naturally pair together.

But the truth is that until we get face to face with out Maker again, He isn't done with us. Sarai laughed in her old age when she was told to expect child. Job enjoyed the best part of his life after his worst season of suffering. Joseph didn't see dreams fulfilled until over a decade later. There seems to be a theme here...

Our seasons of long-suffering are not without reason. We have to believe that God is better than saying our best days are behind us. If not, what's the point of ideas like resurrection and redemption?

We need to keep our heads lifted. Refuse to agree with the feeling that our memories of yesterday are the trophies of our life now. Instead, trust that God has more than trial and suffering for His children.          

"That’s why I don’t think there’s any comparison between the present hard times and the coming good times. The created world itself can hardly wait for what’s coming next. Everything in creation is being more or less held back. God reins it in until both creation and all the creatures are ready and can be released at the same moment into the glorious times ahead. Meanwhile, the joyful anticipation deepens."

(Romans 8:18-21)