Unashamed Reading Plan
Check out all the previous Unashamed readings here.
Unashamed Reading Plan | Week 9 | Day 1
Prayer
As you come to spend time with Jesus, calm your mind and body until you feel fully present. Ask Him to teach you more about Himself today.
Bible Reading: Romans 8:17-25
Read these verses three times slowly.
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.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Reflection & Questions
By Ken Mullette
In this week’s Bible reading, we are focusing on staying strong in our faith as we anticipate the glory that awaits us in heaven. Today’s reading leads us to the middle of Romans chapter 8 where Paul talks about the struggles and future hope of people who follow Christ.
Paul acknowledges that life can be tough and that followers of Christ face difficulties and suffering. However, he emphasizes that these struggles are nothing compared to the amazing future that awaits. The suffering is temporary and will be overshadowed by the future glory.
Benjamin Franklin once said “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.” Paul would want us to have the same confidence that we can say with certainty that this hope is not just wishful thinking but a confident expectation of a better future as adopted sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father. We don’t see everything clearly yet, but we trust that it’s coming. There’s a promise of a better future. Paul paints a picture of a world waiting for transformation and encourages believers to hold on to the hope of that transformation.
- How might understanding present suffering and future glory influence the way you approach struggles that you face in your own life?
- How can cultivating patience help you in navigating your own challenges during difficult times?
Prayer
Pray in response to today’s reading.
Worship Song
You might use this song today to worship Jesus today:
Bible Reading: Romans 8:17-25
Read these verses three times slowly.
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.
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
Reflection & Questions
Today’s verses have some tough words in them: “sufferings,” “frustration,” “bondage” – none of these sound very pleasant, do they? That’s because Paul is being honest with those who decide to become children of God: It’s not always going to be easy!
- When everyone else is teasing the nerdy little girl, it’s tough to be the only one to walk up to her and hug her.
- When your parents ask you to do a chore you hate, like cleaning the toilet, it’s not easy to stop your video game to honor their request.
- When your friends tell you it’s no big deal to grab a pack of gum as you walk out the door without paying for it, it’s difficult to be the only one that doesn’t do it.
- When the answers to your hard quiz are right there on your neighbor’s paper, it’s tough not to take a peek to see the correct answers.
Being a Christian, a child of God, sometimes means that you will get made fun of, or left out, or that you will have to make tough decisions.
But Paul also gives us the good news: the difficult things that happen in your life when you choose to be a Christian will TOTALLY be worth it when you see the amazing future that God has waiting for you. The first verse of today says it all: “We are heirs of God.” That means that God, our Heavenly Father, has great things in store for us, His children!
So when tough things happen in your life because you are trying hard to be the child that God wants you to be, remember that God’s got something great waiting for you – that should give you hope so that you can work through the tough things!
- Can you think of a time when you had to decide between doing the right thing or doing something that would make you fit in with the crowd? What did you end up doing? How did that make you feel?
Pray
Ask God to help you stand strong even when you have to go through difficult things in life. Thank Him for the awesome future He has already planned out for you.
Check out more Bible Reading Plans here.
Questions?
Ed Applegate
