For I consider that the sufferings

       of this present time

are not worth comparing

       with the glory

that is to be revealed to us.

                Romans 8. 18

(I have been watching

      the Tour de France this month.

These men have trained hard

     for this opportunity,

riding to the utmost of their strength

                 and then a little more.

And each one would consider

      all that "suffering" as nothing,

compared to the joy

           of crossing the finish line.

God is doing something

   far more awesome in our own lives.

This broken world produces suffering.

But God redeems it

            for His glory.

Suffering aims to bring us down.

God uses it

           to make us stronger,

    one step and then another.

He brings us to a new place.

"Hold My hand in this.")

O LORD,

You are the God of all comfort.

You are the God of all strength.

You cover us with a shield,

    not to make us impervious,

            but responsive.

You empower us to go forth

into the impossible,

       stronger with You.

Your glory far exceeds

    anything we can imagine.

Not resulting in "it was all worth it,"

   but standing in awe of You.