March 27th, 2026
by Eddie Exline
by Eddie Exline
We all know it. Life is hard. We suffer loss of all kinds. Terrible things happen to us, to our loved ones, and in the world around us. Sin and death create pain that can be overwhelming, and for these things the world has no sufficient answers
But consider the following verses that speak of suffering and difficulty:
Romans 8:18-27
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Entire sermons could be preached on this section of scripture, and I certainly can't do it justice in a devotional, but note that our present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory, the greatness, of what God has in store for us. All of creation waits with "eager longing," ultimately being set free from the bondage of decay. Our bodies will be renewed, all of creation around us will be renewed. There is hope for the future! But until then, yes, it is true, we are in these bodies and will suffer "weakness." But the Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness. God told the apostle Paul that His "grace was sufficient" when Paul asked three times to have a difficulty removed from his life. Sometimes we just have to rely on Him and wait, trusting Him, knowing He loves us, and that He'll never leave us or forsake us, and in this hope we can continue despite the suffering we may have to go through. He will sustain you and get you through to a better day!
But consider the following verses that speak of suffering and difficulty:
Romans 8:18-27
For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? 25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. 27 And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.
Entire sermons could be preached on this section of scripture, and I certainly can't do it justice in a devotional, but note that our present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory, the greatness, of what God has in store for us. All of creation waits with "eager longing," ultimately being set free from the bondage of decay. Our bodies will be renewed, all of creation around us will be renewed. There is hope for the future! But until then, yes, it is true, we are in these bodies and will suffer "weakness." But the Holy Spirit will help us in our weakness. God told the apostle Paul that His "grace was sufficient" when Paul asked three times to have a difficulty removed from his life. Sometimes we just have to rely on Him and wait, trusting Him, knowing He loves us, and that He'll never leave us or forsake us, and in this hope we can continue despite the suffering we may have to go through. He will sustain you and get you through to a better day!
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