Daily Devotional
Are You Living in Defeat?
“For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.”
Romans 8:22-23
April 25, 2024
Ponder This
When we are fully redeemed in Heaven, the human kingdom is going to be changed. Our bodies are going to be redeemed. We’re going to be like Jesus. That’s the reason the Psalmist said, “I shall be satisfied when I awake in Your likeness” (Psalm 17:15b).
This great God who has redeemed us is going to turn every hurt to a hallelujah, every tear to a pearl, every Calvary to an Easter, and every sunset to a sunrise when Jesus comes. That’s why we can hope. We have a present hope because we know this is not the end. We know God is at work in the things of this moment, and He has a wonderful eternity waiting for those who believe. The groans we endure are temporary, and the glory we expect is eternal. That’s the reason Paul said in Romans 8:18, “the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory which shall be revealed in us.” Do we share in this hope? Do we treat our sufferings and disappointments this way? We don’t have to live defeated, we have hope today because of Christ.
- What are some present sufferings that make you feel defeated?
- How can you keep perspective, meditating in hope on the life that is to come?
Practice This
Share with someone the hope you have because of Jesus.
FOR YOUR GIFT TO THE MINISTRY
Front Porch Moments by Gayle Foster
WITH KEY INSIGHTS FROM HER FATHER, ADRIAN ROGERS
I try to unplug each morning with Jesus with just my rocking chair, my Bible, and a pen.
Having a secret place is very important because I know that Jesus is always there waiting for me. I know where I can find Him! His presence is everywhere, but there are places where it is so thick you can cut it with a knife. You may not even have a front porch, but there is a secret place for you as well. God’s invitations are for anyone who will respond. There is no more important request than the one found in Psalm 27:8: “My heart has heard You say, ‘Come and talk with Me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’”
