Romans 8:18-30
Present Suffering and Future Glory
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.
22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. 23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And 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.
28 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. 29 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. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
St. Paul is telling us that in our current sufferings will be no comparison to what God has in store for us in the future of Eternal Life...And when we are weak and lacking, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weaknesses...When we lack knowledge and do not understand, what we need and we do not know what we should pray for...In these times the Holy Spirit Himself intercedes for us through wordless groans...And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit intercedes for God's people and children in accordance with the will of God...
Paul is telling us that God has sovereignty in all things...He affirms God's ultimate control and purpose that in all circumstances God's Will gets done on earth and as it does in heaven...
Paul teaches that love is a prerequisite to the Great Things in life...The promise is specifically for those who love God, highlighting the importance of a relationship with Him...
Paul tells us that God has a purpose...All things, both good and bad, contribute to the fulfillment of God's Plan for His children whom He LOVES...
Paul gives us hope and assurance...This verse provides immense hope and comfort, assuring believers that even in difficult times, God is working for our ultimate good...
Trust in God is a Great Hope that encourages us to trust in God's Plan, even when circumstances seem challenging, when we are troubled, or are in despair...
If we are able to make a perspective shift, then we can maybe then see that God helps us in our trials and we can see suffering and troubles as opportunities for growth and spiritual development...
Paul gives us a hope in the future...He offers us a future-oriented perspective, reminding us that God is working towards a Greater Purpose in the things we do when we love Him...
This verse is often referred to as the "all things work together for good" verse and is a powerful reminder of God's Faithfulness and LOVE...