From Groans to Glory
Building Evidence of God's Glory Is the Key
We all want proof that God will take care of us.
What if the proof comes through suffering?
In scripture, suffering isn’t proof God has abandoned us, it’s often evidence He is shaping us.
How can we trust everything will be okay if we never experience any difficulties?
When life falls apart, loved ones are lost, and prayers go unanswered, this is proof that God is at work.
In Hebrews chapter 5, we see how Jesus himself gained the evidence He needed to carry out the will of God.
Christ is identified as the highest priest.
And yet in the story of Jesus’ life, we see the struggles He went through.
From 40 days in the wilderness to being persecuted for being the Messiah.
Jesus, whom God made to be the highest priest and the greatest sacrifice, went from worship to death in a matter of hours.
As God’s Son, He had to suffer, and he learned obedience and trust in God from his own suffering.
And yet we think we are supposed to go through our lives with no pain or suffering, which isn’t Biblical.
God promised us many things, but never that this life would be easy.
Romans 8:18 gives us a promise for our suffering that you might find encouraging.
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.
In other words, it will all be worth it.
The glory which will be revealed will quickly drown out the pain and suffering we felt on earth.
When life is hard, and it feels like there is no way out.
Lean into God.
Paul isn’t minimizing our suffering.
He’s magnifying the glory of eternity.
What we will experience in Heaven will make today’s pain feel small in comparison.
When go through suffering consider asking yourself a few questions.
What is God forming in me?
Where is He asking me to trust him more?
How can this deepen my dependence on Him?
He’s not only trying to get our attention, but he’s also allowing us an opportunity to build a case for his grace and mercy.
God will make it better.
Hopefully during this earthly life, but if not here on earth, then when we meet him in Heaven!
We have to do our part and continue to nurture our relationship with Him so we can hear him say,
“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
Lean into God through prayer, scripture, and honest conversation.
Tell Him your struggles.
Ask Him what He is building.
And we will celebrate for eternity because our groans on earth will turn to glory in Heaven.
-G. Banks