Present Suffering and Future Glory

June 12, 2020

Romans 8:18-39 

Early Christians experienced a lot of suffering because of their faith. Paul, who wrote this letter to the church in Rome, was often attacked for his faith, and would eventually be imprisoned for his ministry. Yet, he trusts in God through it all. In this section of the letter he explains some of his reason for hope. 

SCRIPTURE

Click here to read from Romans 8:18-39

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REFLECTION

A Life Worth Rejoicing

By Jennifer Jerrome

Today’s passage from Romans, along with others throughout the Bible, tell us that we may suffer now, but there will be glory later. I’ve read several books and devotionals that address the necessity of suffering in order for faith to grow – without it we wouldn’t fully recognize the joy to come.

While I agree that pain is an inevitable part of life and is often the catalyst in moving us forward, I also believe Paul was trying to tell the Romans not to overlook the glory in the here and now. Even in his darkest days, Paul remained confident for Christ.

How did he keep his spirit of optimism? Paul knew that no matter where he traveled or what hardships he faced; he was never alone. The Spirit lived in him, like it lives in us, and “helps us in our weakness” (v. 26).   

I think we’ve come to expect that life is going to be hard; that suffering is inevitable and that we won’t really experience joy until we die. There’s no doubt that 2020 seems bleak and many are “groaning” for a brighter future, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that Jesus died to give us life – not just a life of sorrow, but a life worth rejoicing.

God wants us to experience love and hope and peace now – in the present. God gave Jesus the authority to forgive sins on earth and he was able to heal people body, mind, and spirit.  They didn’t have to wait to experience healing. It was given to them on Earth to enjoy in the now.

So, while suffering today can make us stronger tomorrow, let’s not overlook the glory among the groans. Jesus did the dying so we could do the living and no matter what we face, we can know with certainty, like Paul, that “nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (v. 39). Carry that with you today, secure in the knowledge that future groans will be followed by shouts of joy.

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