In 2017, I have been reciting this verse from Romans 8:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Two years ago when my mother was diagnosed with a sarcoma on the inner thigh, I memorized Psalm 103 and declared that for her healing. “Bless the Lord, O my soul, and ALL that is within me, bless His holy name! WHO . . . redeems my life, renews my youth, crowns me, and heals all my diseases.” Now, that’s a paraphrase because I want to move to this year’s chapter and focus on Romans chapter eight.
My mother had about six months of feeling like her old self again and then the cancer returned last fall. Ugh. She had surgery in early January at the WONDERFUL Hershey Medical Center. We are told she has little time on this side of the veil. Sigh. We had all hoped for more time, more memories shared, more great grandbabies for her to hold and nurture. My sisters and I are honored to care for her and yet, frankly, this is hard. Really hard. My grief was compounded when one of my own daughters discovered a lump in her breast. Really? My mother and daughter?
I find great strength in memorizing the Word of God. I don’t share this with you today with pride or to make you feel intimidated or anything close to that. I just NEED to quote scripture right now. My soul is anchored there.
David once wrote, “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” I am 
walking in a very dark valley and I sense the Lord’s presence beside me here. The only flashlight available is His Word and I treasure it, charge its batteries, and shine it (quote it) when I cannot see my hand in front of my face.
My mom is quite coherent and she’s happily helping me to memorize Romans chapter eight. The other night I helped her climb into bed and arrange her phones and medications within her reach. I bent down and kissed her forehead, then stood to my feet in that dark room and said:
Mom, consider this. The sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared to the glory that will be revealed in us.”
“I know,” she replied. “I know.”
Dear one, the veil is thin between here and there, and the glory that will be revealed will make these days seem so small in comparison. Whatever your trial this week, this month, or even this moment, please know that God is watching and walking with you. The valley is indeed dark, but the light of the glory of the face of God is just ahead–and that glory will be revealed in a NEW, immortal, pain-free, joy-filled body. Look–it’s just ahead. Hallelujah!
Oh, dear one, this is such truth! Praying you and your mom–an sisters and daughter–sense the very near and dear presence of our Savior holding you moment by moment. I love you!
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Your prayers take wings, Becky. Thank you for reading this rather longer blog the whole way through. You are a great blessing!
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Love, hugs and prayers sent your way. Transparent honesty about the hard-ness even in truth gives such glory to God. I was thinking last week about Christ’s last week…last days…the walk down the Via Delorosa. He was in pain and hurting; he wasn’t dancing His way even though it was joy set before Him. It hurt. Lifting you as you share in His suffering. Love you much.
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BillieJo, this is the perfect comparison. Philippians 3:10 says, “That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death that I may attain unto the resurrection from the dead.” Then I LOVE Romans 8 which says, “If that SAME SPIRIT that RAISED CHRIST JESUS from the dead dwells in you, HE will quicken (bring to life) your mortal body, by that same Spirit that dwells in you.” And so we do see that the sufferings of this present time will birth the glory yet to be revealed when we pass through heaven’s gate. Deep thoughts, I know, but this valley is pretty deep. There are treasures down here I didn’t see on the mountain top. God is here. God is GOOD!
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Hi Hope, Sorry to hear of the sad news, but there is glorious news awaiting your mom. We remember your sister, as we believe the best way to depart from this earth is the Lord taking the breath from out of our body without painful deceases. We haven’t all arrived at that state yet, we believe in divine healing, but the next step is to believe for divine health. No condemnation if we haven’t reached that goal yet. Something to press towards. Part of our inheritance? I have written a short article, “The Mystery of the Cross.” which I will put out on my face-book at Easter. I would love to send you a copy that you can use it, or do whatever you feel would be appropriate. Blessings, David
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Praying for your mom and for you. Much love!
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Marlene, as you know Mom loved the Philly Christian Writers Conference. I am so glad she was able to participate in that and meet you and so many of my wonderful friends there. As for you, Mrs. Bagnull, I ALWAYS feel God’s love pouring out of you. May this year’s conference be the best yet!
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My hurt is your hurt – my suffering is your suffering – I trust The Lord Himself reveal to you His Glory to mitigate your hurt. My heart is with you. Love (agape} you and your mom.
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Brother Bill, thank you for sharing in this with us. God has been so good to me and He is revealing much to me in the many treasures lying about in the dark valley of death and dying. It is difficult to explain, but I do hope to share more–sort of blog in the darkness, as funny as that sounds. Today I memorized the verse on “hope” from Romans 8. “For we are saved by hope. But hope that is SEEN is not hope. Why does one say he hopes for what he can see (right in front of his natural eye)? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with perseverance.” Hope is one of those riches–no pun intended here with my name and this lesson on hope. Long answer to your great input. Thanks!
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David, for some reason the reply button is missing on your comment above, so please forgive this odd placement. As you know, this blog is all about the cross of Jesus and lifting it in honor and love for our king. Please send me your article, “The Mystery of the Cross”. Our Lord is worthy of all recognition. God bless you as you continue to write for Him.
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