Hope, Spirit & Conquer in the life of the Follower of Jesus
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Romans 8:18-25

(18)  I consider that our present Sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
(19)  The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of GOD to be revealed.
(20)  For the creation was subjected to Frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in Hope
(21)   that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of GOD.
(22)  We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
(23)   Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the SPIRIT, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.
(24)  For in this Hope we were saved. But Hope that is seen is no Hope at all. Who Hopes for what he already has?
(25)  But if we Hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently

1.    Sufferings and Frustration - (vs 18-20)

Your life may have a great deal of Sufferings and Frustration that must be faced by you personally in order to live a whole or complete life.  I guarantee that this will be extremely difficult at times, and yet, there exists no other means of living a productive life for the LORD, and for your family.

Life is not fair!  Life is not fair!.  There, I have repeated myself on purpose because the majority of people don't get it, they don't get that Life is not fair!  There is no rule book as to just how much a person must endure and then, no more!  As a matter of fact, just when you come to the conclusion that you can't take anymore Sufferings, you may have to face even more!

Oh yes, before I move on.  Life is not fair!  Often people complain that the LORD has not been hearing their prayers or that HE just does not love or care for them.  According to them, they consider ending it all, taking their life, cashing in the chips, committing suicide if the LORD does not come through by a determined date.

My goal in this Article is not to make light of people's Sufferings, for that would be very foolish of me since I too am a person who knows what it means to suffer in this life.  Everyone of us has our own Sufferings.  In my case, it so happens that I am permanently disabled from a series of accidents leaving me in 24 hour, 7 days a week pain and various forms of additional suffering.  Life is not fair!

The level of Sufferings changes from person to person, a great deal of Suffering has to do with what the enemy of our soul throws at us in order to break us down.  He loves to do all he can in order to move us toward accusing the LORD, the only One who loves us perfectly.

The truth is that we must Suffer at various times in our lives, and Suffer we will.  If the LORD had not provided us with the exact details on how to endure Suffering, things could seem unbearable at times.  Just over a year ago three members of my family murdered my dad for what little money he had left.  Personally, I believed for many months I was going to die from my pain and go to be with him.  I am doing better now, but how I miss my dear dad each and every day, he left us much to early.

Are you aware of this constant war that is going on against you?

2.    Hope -  (vs 20-25)

Honestly, the LORD has given us all we need, and more, to not only understand the source of our Suffering, but HE has provided us with the gift of Hope.  Don't surrender your Hope!  Hang on, the LORD is coming!

We will not go on Suffering forever.   We must do all we can to live in patience, never blaming GOD for our Suffering.  Let us live our lives by faith, praising our GOOD LORD for HIS love for us.  The LORD will never forget us or abandon us in our need, but will rescue us at the perfect moment, until then, proclaim HIS glory and majesty!