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Romans 8:18-27 If pain persists...The other day I sawed into my thumb while pruning some kind of bush. There was blood, pain, a dressing, throbbing and eventually some pain killers.  Making a cake is messy The world is a dangerous place to live in and often it is a place of sadness for us. We suffer in so many different ways. People hurt us and we hurt them. We can feel lonely, worthless, ashamed, guilty, belittled, used and even abused. Where is God in this world of suffering? Is he doing anything about it? When God made the world he declared all of it to be good. Then humanity broke it by rebelling against God by wanting to live their own separate way. They introduced death into the world and death is suffering, it separates our loved ones from us. But all suffering is a form of death and it constantly reminds us that one day it will be our turn to die.  Yummy, well worth the mess Romans 8:18-27 Live the Gospel = Walk in the SpiritBible Reading: Romans 8:18-27 ExercisesDiscuss in what ways you and the world suffers v18-25? In what way does this passage give you hope and perseverance v18-25? In what way does the Spirit help you and do you find this surprising v26-27? How has this passage encouraged you to love God and love people?
Prayer: Heavenly Father thank you for helping me to persevere in a broken world as a broken person by giving me hope. Even though there are times when I groan it comforts me to know that you are working out your plan of redemption for me and the whole world. A times is coming when suffering itself will die so that I will be glorified, body and soul. May my hope in you make me gracious, kind and loving even when I suffer. Amen |
