Have you ever heard the saying, “Be kind to everyone you meet because everyone is having a hard time”? Suffering is part of this broken world. Job, who is known for his suffering, said, “Mortals, born of woman, are of few days and full of trouble” (Job 14:1). You cannot go through this life without suffering. We cannot control when suffering comes, but we can control how we respond to it.
The Problem of Suffering
In Romans 8:18, Paul says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is going to be revealed to us.” Notice the words “suffering” and “present time.” Christianity does not give us a free pass from suffering. Knowing Jesus is not a “get out of suffering” card. Jesus said in this life you will have trouble (John 16:33). In fact, being a Christian can bring more suffering because then you have Satan attacking you. To say yes to Jesus is to say yes to suffer (2 Timothy 3:12).
Paul knew what it meant to suffer. He writes from personal experience, not theory. Read 2 Corinthians 11:24–28 and 12:7–10. So, why do we suffer? Suffering exists because of original sin. Sometimes we suffer because of our own sin. Sometimes we suffer because of someone else’s sin. (Not all suffering is the result of personal sin.) Because we live in a sinful world, there will always be suffering in this life.
The Patience of Suffering
In verses 19–25, creation is mentioned four times. In the beginning, God created everything and said it was very good. When Adam and Eve sinned, it affected the whole world. Genesis 3 shows that every animal is under the curse of sin. Roses have thorns. Gardens have weeds. Ivy is poisoned. The whole world groans in disorder and chaos.
Verse 20 says that “creation was subjected to futility.” Futility means things are not as God originally intended. The phrase “eagerly waits” is repeated—creation is looking forward to redemption. Creation is on its tiptoes looking for Jesus to return with all His children! There is coming a new heaven and earth. Revelation and Isaiah teach that heaven will be full of animals—no longer poisonous or predatory. The lion will lie down with the lamb. Children will play with snakes!
We too are looking forward to the redemption of our bodies. In this present life, our bodies get sick, and loved ones pass away. But a day is coming when God’s glory will far outweigh all pain and suffering. One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase, so bravely run the race till we see Christ!
The Perspective of Suffering
When Paul says he “considers” the present sufferings unworthy of comparison to the coming glory, he uses a banking term. “Consider” means to reconcile or balance the books. When we weigh the pain of earth against the pleasure of eternity, the blessings to come far outweigh today’s burdens.
“When you can’t trace His hand, trust His heart.”
God sees you, loves you, and cares for you. He is a faithful Heavenly Father. Pastor Zac shared during 21 Days of Prayer that after losing two baby boys to stillbirth, God reminded him that the author of a great story doesn’t put the ending in Chapter 1. God is writing an eternal story. We can’t demand a happy ending now—but one is coming. This life is only Chapter 1.
In verse 22, Paul uses labor pains as an illustration. Pain is real in childbirth, but it leads to joy. Right now, we’re in the waiting, but it will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Not one second of your suffering is wasted. Not one thing. We sorrow and we suffer, but not as those who have no hope.
Our God isn’t distant from our pain. He stepped into this broken world and carried it Himself. Don’t let your suffering keep you from God. Jesus suffered on the cross to bring you to God.
If you’re struggling with pain or questions about faith, you’re not alone. Plan a Visit or Connect with Us — we’d love to walk with you.
Works Consulted
Truth for Life – Romans 8
Essential Christianity – J.D. Greear
Exploring Romans – John Phillips
Wiersbe – Romans
Swindoll – Romans 8
MacArthur – Romans
