Present Suffering and Future Glory:

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For many Christian believers the term ‘suffering’ is more like condemnation. Regardless of various bible-teachings on patience and endurance, they often scowl at the mere thought of pain even. It is imperative to understand that no situation in life is static as it changes time to time. When the bible says, ‘present suffering and future glory’, it is somewhat representational to the notion of salvation and life eternal. And it’s noteworthy when Apostle Paul addresses this divine concept in Romans 8:18-21, NIV-Bible; “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed! For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.”

It is not for believers to have pain or frustration while enduring obscurities; instead the strength of the Lord is manifested as they look forward to the glorious future – energized and enlightened for a cause. We all know that the whole creation has been groaning in pain right up to the present time; but the saints of the Lord, unlike the world, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for the adoption to the son-ship, the redemption of our bodies and thus welcoming the ultimate salvation. And in this hope we are saved while living on this earth. I suppose, many got it wrong when deciphering the word of God while talking about this pain and suffering, to a certain extent. It is written in 1 Peter 2:20-21, NIV-Bible; “how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God. To this you were called, because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, which you should follow in his steps.”

Moreover, the bible declares that Spirit helps us in our weaknesses. Even if we do not know what to pray or ask rightfully (which is common to man), the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans – as He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. It is appropriate to know that every person has inflicted with the spirit of the Lord since they are His thoughtful creation. It is written as well in Romans 8:28-30, NIV-Bible; “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.” And the bible further says, God of all grace who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will surely restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. To him be the glory and power, forever and ever. Amen.