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EIBC Devotional #4 - “Behold, I Make All Things New!”
Emerald Isle Baptist Church
Pastor Zach Emory

Question(s) for Reflection

What are some of your present “sufferings” you are facing?

How do you maintain hope in times of distress?

Scripture - Romans 8:18-25

18I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the
glory about to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God, 20 for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its enslavement to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, 23 and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? 25But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.


The image of childbirth is often used to reflect our present reality compared to the future reality as promised by God. When my daughter was born, she had the umbilical cord wrapped around her neck and was unresponsive. Not having slept for over 24 hours, I stood there in bewilderment. It was a messy and terrifying experience. Who would have imagined that such a moment would have led to such present beauty? This world we navigate is terrifying sometimes, with its trials, sufferings, and the ever-present threat of death. But out of all that brokenness and decay, God is engaged in a divine, redemptive plan to transform our present suffering into future glory. Be encouraged by the fact that the Almighty and Living God is engaged in a tremendous, salvific work on our behalf!

Prayer:

Loving God, give me peace and comfort through the power of Your Holy Spirit when all seems lost. Give me courage to face the storms of life knowing that You have my hand firmly placed in Yours. In the name of Jesus Christ, Our Lord, Amen.