Present Suffering, Future Glory
Rev. Charles Oppong-Poku | Saturday, September 12, 2026 | Romans 8:18–25
KEY VERSE: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” — Romans 8:18
MESSAGE:
Paul has just reminded us that God’s children are fellow heirs with Christ, sharing in His suffering and His glory. He now invites us to consider our present troubles in the light of the future God has promised. Having experienced great hardship himself, Paul understands the weight of suffering. His confident assessment rests on the greatness of the glory awaiting God’s children. Pain can touch every part of our lives, and some burdens remain with us for many years. Even within such experiences, God’s promise gives us reason to hope.
The glory to be revealed includes sharing in Christ’s glory as God brings our redemption to completion. We will experience the fullness of the salvation we already receive through Him. This promised future is so wonderful that Paul describes present suffering as unworthy of comparison with it. His words give us a larger perspective from which to face our difficulties. Our lives are held within God’s eternal purpose, and the suffering we experience belongs to an age that will pass away. The glory He has prepared for His children will endure forever.
This hope strengthens us to continue trusting God through unresolved difficulty. We can bring our grief, weakness and questions honestly before our Father, knowing that He remains with His children. When the burden feels heavy, His promise gives us courage to take the next step and receive support from fellow believers. We can continue to pray, love and obey while depending on His strength. As we look towards the glory to come, we learn to face each day with confidence in God’s faithfulness. Our future with Christ gives us hope to endure today.
FEET AND HANDS FOR THE MESSAGE:
What are you suffering as a believer? Read Romans 8:18 again slowly when today’s burden feels heavy. Share your struggle with a trusted believer and ask for prayer as you continue trusting God’s promise. Remember, today’s suffering is temporary, and the glory ahead is eternal and beyond comparison.
PRAYER:
Father, thank You for the glory You have promised in Christ. Strengthen me through present suffering and help me trust You with my unanswered questions. Give me grace to remain faithful, holding firmly to the hope of complete redemption. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSING.
SHOWERS! BLESSINGS!!
The 365 DAILY BIBLE READING
Day 255 Jeremiah 29–32 — God Promises Restoration and a New Covenant
DAILY word study: SUFFERINGS “Sufferings” is translated from the Greek pathēmata (παθήματα), the plural of pathēma, meaning suffering or affliction—something a person undergoes. Romans 8:18 describes the painful experiences of this present age.
The surrounding verses broaden our understanding: creation experiences decay, and believers groan as they await the redemption of their bodies. This context includes the weakness and pain of life in a fallen world, as well as the hardship of following Christ.
Paul uses the same word in 2 Corinthians 1:5–7, where shared suffering is accompanied by shared comfort through Christ. This connection reveals a communal dimension: believers can receive God’s comfort and become channels of encouragement to others enduring affliction.
Reflect on this:
Suffering connects us with others who need compassion. How could the comfort you have received help you draw alongside someone in pain?
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