For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

Today we're finishing up the Praying the Promises of the Cross series and looking into Jen’s favorite Bible verse, Romans 8:18.

Consider dumping a glass of water in the ocean. Now imagine your suffering as the water in the glass. 

The glory that you will one day see is the ocean. 

This analogy gives us perspective on our suffering. Not only do we need to recognize our suffering is limited and has a purpose, but it also helps us to become more like Christ. 

We rejoice in our sufferings knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character. 

Character produces hope. 

And hope does not put us to shame because God's love is poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit. 

Paul understood pain very deeply, but still from his perspective, present sufferings are insignificant compared to the glories that are to be revealed in us. We can suffer because we know that it's gonna be a glass of water in an ocean of glory. 

Our pain is not being minimized by this verse-it simply puts our suffering into an eternal perspective.

Memorize this verse, listen to this powerful episode, and ask yourself: how does this change how you see your suffering?

There is a purpose for all of this!

Be encouraged that Christ died for your sins. He was resurrected. You can now stand before a holy God righteous because of HIM! Amen! Happy Holy Week. Happy Easter!

FOR FURTHER STUDY