None of us enjoy the trials and tribulations we face here in the valley of the shadow of death. Even though we are the children of God and the ambassadors of Christ here in the domain of darkness, we are not exempt from the effects of its fallen state. We all suffer hardship.

What this passage is telling us is that adversity makes us stronger. As we persevere through hard times, we learn the value of staying the course. We come to see that hard times don't last forever, that there is light at the end of the tunnel.

Many have taught, and not a few still teach, that Christianity is essentially a “Judeo/Christian” religion. Many have been told that at least some part of the covenant of the Law handed down from God to the nation of Israel by Moses applies to us today. Most would exclude the ceremonial laws and the sacrificial laws, even the dietary laws. But, they say, we need to keep the moral laws.

Looking with physical eyes, we are prone to judging by appearance. This is true whether we are speaking of other people or of the Lord Jesus Himself. Seeing in this way gives us only the earthly perspective of the flesh. But there is a better way, a higher way, a more excellent way.

Do you realize that all of creation is waiting with great anticipation for the day when you are fully revealed as a glorious child of God? It's true! Just ask Romans 8:19.