IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 8:18

First, patience in suffering (18-25). Paul declared that we will share in Christ's glory if we share in his sufferings as well. Without a doubt, he had a very personal knowledge of such sufferings, bearing on his body the marks of Jesus. But Paul himself says that the sum total of all the suffering endured for Christ's sake does not even begin to compare with the glory that will be revealed in us. That glory is coming and even creation itself is waiting in eager anticipation for the day our salvation will be made complete. Those who belong to Christ and possess the first fruits of the Spirit groan as well. But these groans are necessary pains - like the pains of childbirth. We endure them patiently in hope of the new life to come.

Second, God is working (26-30). We can take comfort during our sufferings that even in such dark times, God is working. His Spirit helps us in our weakness. When we are so troubled and confused that we don't even know what to pray for, the Holy Spirit intercedes on our behalf. We can also find peace in God's sovereignty. He works in all things, good and bad, to make us more like our Lord Jesus. His work of salvation began in eternity past and will continue until the day we share in Christ's glory.

Prayer: Father, help us to see the glory that awaits us.

One Word: Wait patiently for the glory of Christ!