Suffering and Glory

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:18-27 ESV).

              

Do you remember the story of Jesus being told of his good friend Lazarus’ death? (cf. John 11). When you read that Gospel account the illness of Lazarus is grave. It is easy to imagine what I would do if I were to be informed that my dearest friend were so near death and I could physically get there. I would immediately begin the journey to get there before there death. However, that is not the response of Jesus. He delayed two days, intentionally. The key to understanding this action comes a bit later in the story when Jesus says, Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him” (John 11:14-15). When Jesus arrived he was beset by Martha with an accusation. Jesus was not immune to their suffering. ”Jesus wept” (John 11:35). That’s the shortest verse in the Bible, yet one of the most profound. God doesn’t just see our pain. He feels it.

 

This is the message of our reading today. Paul is being realistic. Whether it’s trying to make sense of ourselves, fighting off sin, struggling in relationship, bearing wounds of brokenness, being limited by health, enduring the pain of depression or a host of other situations, suffering is real for Christians as well as non-Christians. However, we have a different perspective. We can compare our suffering to the glory that will be revealed in us. But Paul does not define that glory as life without adversity, as if we won’t have health issues or financial needs or marital struggles or the like. Our goal is not so much to beat suffering as it is to live fully and completely as children of God.

 

God reminds us that we have his Spirit—always. And the Spirit will help us in all situations, interceding for us even if we struggle to pray. Even in the worst of times, we are not alone. I find great comfort in that. When I suffer, I need that reminder. I may want an easier life, but what I need most is to know that God is continually with me and at work in me. That brings me hope. It will for you as well!