From Suffering to Glory

Rom. 8:18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

“Sufferings of this present time” is a general reference that includes everything that believers in Jesus suffer. It may either be persecution for the cause of the gospel; their desire to live godly (2 Tim. 3:12); or the entire range of suffering, which includes illness, bereavement, hunger, financial reverses, and death itself. However, we are promised that these sufferings cannot be compared to the glory to come.

Suffering has no weight at all to off-set the glory to come.  If we were to weigh suffering in the balance with the glory that is the final state of every believer; and so “weighty,” so transcendently wonderful, that suffering flies in the air as if it had no weight at all. 2 Cor. 4:17 makes this point clear: For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. In the resurrection of the dead, the body is raised “in incorruption…raised in glory…raised in power and raised a spiritual body” (1 Cor 15:42–57).

Suffering is unavoidable and as Christians, we are destined for it. They come in different forms such as persecution, health issues, emotional distress, or death. Oftentimes, we feel that God, during these times, has forgotten about us. We pray, the church prays, yet no response seems to be forthcoming from God. But the reality is quite the opposite. God cares more about us than we imagine. He has promised never to forsake us (Heb. 13:5) and here in Rom. 8:18. He promises that our sufferings “are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” As difficult as it may be, let us never be discouraged. We are both heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, and if we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him.