Romans 8:17-18
and if children, then heirs: heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if we in fact suffer with him so that we may also be glorified with him. I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. Romans 8:17-18 (NRSVUE)
One thing we can all be certain of in this lifetime is that we will all experience some type of suffering. It may be professionally, in our relationships, loss of loved ones, or a devastating health diagnosis. At times during our time of suffering, it may be difficult to see God’s glory. Verse 17 should give us hope during suffering because we must experience suffering to then be glorified. It is then followed by verse 18 telling us that our current suffering will never compare with “the glory that is about to be revealed to us.”
While growing up, I remember my mom telling the story of my great grandfather’s death and the prayers that brought him back to his physical life. He had been really ill and had been in the hospital for several days. The whole family was around his bed praying for him when he stopped breathing, but then all of a sudden he started breathing. Most might be happy that they were revived and returned to their family. Not my great grandfather. He was mad! He had seen “the glory about to be revealed to us”. He said he was in the most beautiful place he had ever seen and he felt a peace that he had never felt before, but then his family was all around his bed praying and soon he was back to his physical life.
Since it is certain that we all will experience suffering, these verses may be good to jot down to refer to when we are in the middle of our trials to remind us of God’s glory and the good that is to come!
Questions for Reflection:
- When have you experienced suffering? Would these verses have helped you at that time?
- Read 2 Corinthians 4:16–18, to see what Paul also has to say about suffering. How is this similar to our verses today in Romans 8:17-18.
Prayer:
Glorious God, in our times of suffering, help us remember the promise of Your glory. While we are in the midst of suffering, give us hope for the future and strength to persevere. Amen.
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