Today’s scripture: Romans 8:18-28 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Robert Ferguson):
I am not a fan of bumper sticker religion. I define “bumper sticker religion” as a theological belief or principle compacted into neat little three-or-four word phrases that are common in the lexicon of many Christians. Like most social groups, Christians have figures of speech and shorthand expressions to describe ideas and experiences common to the community. Some of these expressions come from Scripture quotations but others are simply phrases that have found popularity in Christian circles.
My current bumper sticker favorite is “The Lord will not put more on you than you can bear.” Though this phrase may be scripturally sound (see 1 Corinthians 10:13), I believe that a deeper understanding of this text is necessary in order to apply it to our lives. For someone who may be experiencing unimaginable pain, loss, or tragedy a simple and — dare I say it — trite expression may not only be insufficient, but insulting as well.
I have a co-worker whose husband passed after a long, painful illness. When she returned to work after the funeral someone in our office delivered another one of my least favorite bumper stickers phrases, “I know this has been a hard time for you — but cheer up! All this is for the good! Everything will work out ok.”
I sat back waiting for my co-worker to say, “Did you see him die? Do you know how much pain he suffered? Do you know how for the last three months he laid there with tubes coming out of him, helpless — this big, strong husband of mine? Do you know that every penny we had saved was spent on medical care, and I’m left with a huge debt? Do you know the hole that’s left in my heart after my soulmate has been ripped from me? What do you mean, ‘all things work together for good?!’ His pain, and suffering, and death were not good!”
As I read today’s verse I must admit that the first thought that pops in my head is that sometimes it just doesn’t feel like ALL things are working for my good. And just let me say God has richly blessed me. So I cannot imagine how someone who lives in famine surrounded by sickness and poverty could read this verse and believe that things are working for their good even though they love God. It’s clear we need a deeper understanding of this entire passage, not just the few words that can fit on a bumper sticker.
In order to begin to understand Paul’s message we need to go back to verse 18. God is fully aware that there will be suffering in this life. However, if we can understand and view trials and tribulations as opportunities for faith development and accept that our present suffering does not remotely compare to the glory that awaits, then maybe, just maybe, we can put one foot in front of the other and walk on. We must acknowledge that God has sent us the Holy Spirit to pray on our behalf when we don’t even know what to pray. We can rest with the confidence of knowing that God knows what we need and is faithful to provide for and care for us. God never despises a broken and contrite heart.
Thought for the day: This is the God we have: a God who loves us even while we are despicable sinners; a God whose love will never leave us, a God who will carry us through every trial, every trouble, every tribulation; a God who uses all these for the good, wise, and holy purposes in our lives. Praise God, and fall before our Creator!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.