Read | Romans 8:18–25
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. For the creation eagerly waits with anticipation for God’s sons to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly, but because of him who subjected it—in the hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage to decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together with labor pains until now. Not only that, but we ourselves who have the Spirit as the firstfruits—we also groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. Now in this hope we were saved, but hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? Now if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with patience.
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This passage reminds us that present suffering is real, but it is not final. Where do pain, frustration, or disappointment tempt you to grow distant from God rather than move toward him?
Creation groans, and we groan too. How might your longing, weakness, and frustration become places where God draws you back into deeper fellowship with him and gentler compassion toward others?
Focus
When suffering makes you withdraw, practice moving toward God instead of away from him. Take one disappointment, grief, or frustration and bring it to God in honest prayer rather than silent resentment.
Pray
Ask God to keep suffering from hardening you, and instead use it to draw you nearer to him.
Going Deeper
If you are also following the BibleProject’s One Story That Leads to Jesus reading plan, complete today’s reading.
