Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. (Rom. 8:17)
AS A FATHER, I love it when my children call out to me. I remember the first time each of my three girls said, “Daddy.” It was music to my ears and I savored the moment. God is such a relational God that He lifts us from servant to friend to His child. We call God our Father by the Spirit who indwells us. And now the beauty is that we can call out to “Abba” anytime. His ears are open to our cries. Our pain moves His heart. We have become heirs of God, receiving all God has planned in heaven for us. We cannot begin to comprehend what God has in store for those who love Him. However, as long as we are here on earth, we will face some suffering.
This was true for Jesus as well. “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered” (Heb. 5:8). Jesus himself learned obedience through suffering. We cannot assume we will escape earthly sorrow. Paul added, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom. 8:18). When all is said and done, the trouble and pain will have been worth it all. In the angst of your sufferings, hold your head up and call out to your heavenly Father. Keep your focus, seek His presence, and He will make himself known to you.
Take your pain and suffering to God, and allow Him to comfort you.
Scott Simmons is the author of the youth discipleship series iFollow (WPH).
