If/Then - Week 2

Daily Scripture Readings

Monday          Hebrews 12:6-12

Tuesday          II Corinthians 4:15-17

Wednesday   Deuteronomy 8:2-3

Thursday        I John 5:2-3

Friday             Romans 1:6-7

Saturday         Romans 8:31-39

Opening Prayer

Gracious God, thank you that if Christ is in us, the Spirit gives us life.   And thank you for the promise You work all things together for good!   In Jesus’ name, Amen.

READING:

This entire passage in Romans helps us understand how suffering can be redemptive for a Christian because of God’s availability in the suffering.

When reading this verse, it's essential to understand the context because the author, Paul, opened this section by declaring that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that’s coming.

In verses 19-23, we also know the mind-boggling truths that even creation longs for the day Christ returns to redeem all things.

Verse 26 also tells us, as part of the context, that God’s Spirit intercedes for us. The word “intercede” means to close the gap between heaven and earth. It’s what we pray when we pray the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:10). So, as believers, God’s Spirit is helping us in our weakness.

These verses describe how God is at work, even amid our brokenness and suffering. This entire passage in Romans helps us understand how suffering can be redemptive for the Christian.

Paul Lawler