God’s Word Strengthens Us with Hope – Family Devotion – July 31, 2020

Read: Romans 8:18-25

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 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.
Romans 8:18, 24-25

God’s Word Strengthens Us with Hope

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Don’t worry, it will be better before you get married.” My parents used to say that to me all the time—and it would make me so angry. I would come in crying from playing outside and Mom would say it, or I would be so upset about my really mean friend and Dad would say it too—“Don’t worry, it will be better before you get married.”

Mom and Dad wanted me to know two things. First, what I was going through now would go away over time. But even more importantly, I had better things to look forward to in the future. As a child, that can be hard to understand. You scrape a knee and it’s bleeding! Your friend said mean things that hurt!

Your family may have some problems right now. Maybe school has been very difficult for you, and you do not at all want to go back to school. Maybe Mom or Dad lost a job, and your family is struggling still because of the Coronavirus. Maybe someone you love is sick or even dying. Sometimes the pains we feel in life hurt very much!

But did you hear the words of the apostle Paul today? He said that our suffering right now isn’t even worth comparing to the glory of heaven. Our problems right now will seem so small when we are rejoicing with Jesus in heaven. Could you imagine if you had a scoop of ice cream fall out of your cone onto the ground (very sad!) but then the owner came out to you and said that you could have all the ice cream in the entire store! Your little cone problem was nothing compared to the joy of all the ice cream in the store!

This is what God’s Word does for us. It encourages us with hope. The Bible tells us that Jesus is our Savior from sin and that he won for us eternal life in heaven where there will never be any bumps or bruises, pains or problems, sickness or suffering. We aren’t there yet. Heaven is coming. That’s why we have hope.

So be patient friends! It will get better! Greater things are coming! You may have some pains now, but incredible joy and happiness with Jesus are coming soon! I can’t wait! How about you?

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, help me to remember that even though life may be tough right now, you have something better waiting for me—eternal life with you. Help me look forward to heaven and wait patiently for being with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is something difficult for you right now? What about for your parent(s)?
• Why will heaven be so great?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain what it means to have hope.
• Why can we know for sure that we will be in heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What do you think are the most difficult things to suffer through in this life?
• What do you think will be the best things to enjoy in heaven?

Hymn: CW 293 – God’s Word is Our Great Heritage

God’s Word is our great heritage
And shall be ours forever;
To spread its light from age to age
Shall be our chief endeavor.
Through life it guides our way;
In death it is our stay.
Lord, grant, while worlds endure,
We keep its teachings pure
Throughout all generations.