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Read Romans 8:18.

At the age of 20 and as a fairly new believer, I accepted the challenge to start memorizing Scripture. Romans 8:18 was the first verse I memorized, and God has continually used that specific verse as a foundational rock for me in the various storms of life. Everything from health issues to wayward children and the results of living in a fallen world are undergirded by that truth.

It was also a lifeline the 10 years I lived in Russia. Life overseas was not easy emotionally, physically, spiritually, or relationally. My husband and I often questioned whether we heard God correctly by moving to Russia. Although our sufferings didn’t compare to many faithful saints who are severely persecuted, they were still our sufferings—the issues God called us to trust Him in and walk through.

The truth of Romans 8:18 regularly rang in my heart and mind, especially in the midst of the hardest times. God didn’t have to show us glimpses of His glory during those moments, but He graciously did and continues to. As John Piper so aptly explains, “God is most glorified when we are most satisfied in Him.” I believe that to be true, especially in our sufferings.

God, thank You for reminding us of the eternal glory waiting for us when life is difficult. Amen.

-from a missionary to Russia