For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
--Romans 8:22
You can’t turn on the television or read the newspaper without being reminded about the problems of the environment, wars, and failing economies. But is planet earth really in trouble?
According to our Scripture verse for today, “the whole creation has been groaning.” Whether it is the polluted seas, global warming, or deforestation, this is an age of suffering. And creation itself is suffering. You can hear the moaning of creation when the seas are in turbulence or the wind rages.
And the suffering includes all of creation. As believers in Jesus Christ, we are not exempt. Christians face personal tragedy, bad reports from the doctor, and other serious problems.
Maybe you are groaning from pain and tragedy. Are you drowning in a sea of doubts because of suffering in your life? You and I must understand that we live in a world that is affected and infected with a terrible disease—SIN!
When Paul wrote about groaning and suffering, he spoke from experience. He knew about great suffering. Paul was stoned and left for dead, beaten, imprisoned, thrown overboard.
Yes, we live in a broken, bruised, battered, and groaning world.
But Paul also tells us in 2 Corinthians 4 that our affliction “is just for a moment.” And despite the pain and suffering, Paul says our hurts are dimmed by the glory that is to come!
If you are suffering as a follower of Christ today, remember it “is just for a moment.”
by Dr. Paul Chappell
“The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) That word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.”
Acts 10:36–38
When Peter went to Caesarea to preach the gospel to a Roman centurion named Cornelius, he was taking a major step. The Jews did not generally hold the Gentiles in high regard, and this was especially true for their Roman conquerors. In fact, the first followers of Jesus did not initially believe that the salvation He spoke of was meant for the Gentiles at all. They expected only Jews to be saved. Yet Peter went into Cornelius’ house with the message of the gospel because God sent him there.
When He got there, Peter preached Jesus. The fads that sweep the churches in our day almost always involve changing the message to make it more attractive to the world, but the Bible pattern is to hold up Christ. It is His cross and His empty tomb that provide the hope of salvation. No other message has the power to transform lives. In that description of Jesus’ life, Peter said that He “went about doing good.”
That is a most fitting description of a life well lived. God has given us the opportunity and privilege to be part of His work in our world. Those around us may live for power, wealth, fame, or success, but we should—we must—live to do good to others. This is the pattern Jesus set for us to follow. He preached, He taught, and He touched the lives of those around Him for good.
Today’s Growth Principle:
If we do good to those around us as we walk through life, we are truly living as Jesus lived.
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