Read: Romans 8:18-25
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (v. 18)
Paul knew all about suffering, firsthand. The Christians who received his letter knew the pain of persecution at the hands of oppressive emperors in Rome. We who read it now know suffering too. Depending on our situation our suffering goes by different names: the agony of losing a loved one way too early; the pain of living in the shadow of persecution; the vicarious suffering we feel on behalf of those who are hurting; the struggle of ongoing health problems; the stress of caregiving. Our faith never promises that we won’t have to suffer. Christ never assured us that everything would happen as we desire. Suffering has always been in tension with the promises of the faith we hold and proclaim.
Paul does not shy away from acknowledging “the sufferings of this present time.” He never tries to ignore pain or gloss over it as something trivial. However, he does urge us to look to a day when all the world’s pain will give way to the new creation God is bringing about. And he suggests putting our pain in perspective: “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing to the glory that is to be revealed to us.” The great promise of our faith is that one day we will exchange all the sufferings we have ever known for a glory we cannot now imagine.
As you pray, ask for patience in suffering, as you await a greater glory.
About the Author
Jonathon Brown is the lead pastor of Pillar Church in Holland, MI. Jon and his beloved wife, Kristyn, are the proud parents of four daughters.
