“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”  Romans 8:18

My granddaughter had her tonsils out when she was about five years old. When she came awake after the surgery and was feeling quite miserable, she looked at her father with a sad expression, as if to say, “Daddy, why did you put me through this.”  My son said it broke his heart, but he had to explain to her that it was for her own good. He would take her pain if he could.  Her sore throat and her suffering would only last a few days, but the tonsils had to come out to save her from more suffering later.

The Israelites were slaves in Egypt, but they had a promise from God that it not always be that way, and that deliverance would come.  When Moses and Aaron went to Pharaoh and tried to convince him to let the people live, it only angered him and caused him to make the work of the people harder. The people complained to Moses.  What they did not realize was that this was only for a short time, that they had to endure some things for God to work out His purpose.  If they would just be patient, they would soon be free of their slavery.

For years we have been taught that the Lord was coming back to take His people out of this world.  We also have been taught from the Word of God that there are a lot of things that will have to take place before that will happen.  In the last few months, we have been facing some difficult times, things are changing in our world.  Surely, we can see that this is all part of God’s plan and these things must happen before the Lord can return.

I am not a prophet, but I would like to think that the Lord is looking down on His people and saying: “If I could spare you from this I would, but it is for your own good.  These things must happen, so that you will be ready and watching for my return. Just be patient, hold fast to what you believe, and one of these days, it will all be over, and you will join Me for eternity.”

Now is not the time for us to be complaining about our circumstances but thanking the Lord that these things are happening so that His coming back can be accomplished.

Luke 21:28: And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.”

Thank you, Lord Jesus, for your Word and the things that it teaches us about your soon returning.  Help us to be watching and waiting.

Devotion by Anne Johnston

 

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