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“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
—Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
There are few verses in the Bible that carry as much weight, comfort, and hope as Romans 8:18. In just a few words, the apostle Paul acknowledges the realness of human pain while lifting our eyes to something far greater: the glory that is coming.
Whether you’re in the middle of heartbreak, loss, chronic illness, discouragement, or confusion, this passage invites you to see beyond the temporary—into the eternal. Let’s walk through the layers of truth in this powerful verse and explore how it anchors us in God’s promises, even when life hurts.
1. Present Sufferings Are Real—But Not the End
“Weeping may endure for a night,
But joy comes in the morning.”
—Psalm 30:5 (NKJV)
“Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
But the Lord delivers him out of them all.”
—Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)
“Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you… but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings.”
—1 Peter 4:12–13 (NKJV)
Paul begins with an honest acknowledgment: suffering is part of life—even for believers. Being a Christian doesn’t exempt us from pain. In fact, following Jesus sometimes brings more hardship because of the spiritual battles and refining fire that come with walking in obedience.
But here’s the key: suffering is real, but it’s not permanent. The Bible doesn’t dismiss our pain—it puts it in perspective. This life is temporary, but God’s promises are eternal. Even in suffering, we can have hope, because we know that God is both present in our pain and working through it.
Reflection:
Have you allowed yourself to grieve in the presence of God? You don’t have to pretend. God meets us in our honesty.
2. “Not Worthy to Be Compared” — Eternal Glory Is Coming
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”
—2 Corinthians 4:17 (NKJV)
“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
—1 Corinthians 2:9 (NKJV)
“But the path of the just is like the shining sun,
That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.”
—Proverbs 4:18 (NKJV)
Paul isn't downplaying our suffering—he’s exalting the glory. He says that no matter how intense our pain is, it is nothing compared to the weight and beauty of the glory God will reveal in us. That word “glory” carries the idea of splendor, radiance, perfection, and divine presence.
Imagine the most breathtaking moment of your life—then multiply it by infinity. That’s a glimpse of the joy, restoration, and beauty awaiting every believer.
And this isn’t just future hope—it gives strength for today. When we know what's coming, we can endure what's now.
Reflection:
When was the last time you truly meditated on heaven? Ask God to fill you with anticipation for what’s to come.
3. The Glory Will Be Revealed In Us — Not Just To Us
“But we all, with unveiled face… are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.”
—2 Corinthians 3:18 (NKJV)
“When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.”
—Colossians 3:4 (NKJV)
“Christ in you, the hope of glory.”
—Colossians 1:27 (NKJV)
Notice Paul says the glory will be revealed in us—not just around us. This isn’t just about getting to heaven—it’s about God making us into people of glory. Every hardship you face is shaping you into the image of Jesus. You are being prepared for a glory that will radiate from the inside out.
God’s ultimate goal isn’t just to deliver you from suffering—it’s to form Christ within you. You are not being destroyed by suffering; you are being refined by it.
Just as gold is purified in fire, your soul is being forged in faithfulness, patience, trust, and love.
Reflection:
What if your suffering is not a setback, but a setup for greater transformation?
4. God Has Already Spoken Through His Word
“Your word is a lamp to my feet
And a light to my path.”
—Psalm 119:105 (NKJV)
“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
—Romans 10:17 (NKJV)
“The grass withers, the flower fades,
But the word of our God stands forever.”
—Isaiah 40:8 (NKJV)
In our pain, we often long for a personal word from God. And while He does speak through His Spirit, we must remember that He has already spoken powerfully through Scripture. His Word is living, active, and unchanging. It speaks directly to the heart of our struggles.
Instead of waiting for a sign, immerse yourself in what He has already revealed:
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His faithfulness to His people
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His promises to never leave or forsake you
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His deep, unchanging love
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His plan for redemption and restoration
The Bible isn’t just a book—it’s a conversation, an anchor, a lifeline.
Reflection:
What promise from Scripture can you cling to in your current season?
5. Jesus Understands Divine Silence
“My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?”
—Matthew 27:46 (NKJV)
“He is despised and rejected by men,
A Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief.”
—Isaiah 53:3 (NKJV)
“The Lord is my helper; I will not fear.”
—Hebrews 13:6 (NKJV)
No one understands divine silence more than Jesus. On the cross, He cried out in agony—quoting Psalm 22, a lament about feeling forsaken by God. And yet even in that moment, He was fulfilling prophecy and securing salvation.
Because Jesus endured the silence of God on the cross, we never have to fear true abandonment. He took the separation so we could have the assurance of eternal union.
Jesus doesn't just sympathize with you—He empathizes. He has felt the silence, the sorrow, the weight of unanswered cries.
And because He rose again, we know that silence is never the end of the story.
Reflection:
Let the silence drive you to the Savior who endured it for you.
Conclusion: The Glory Will Be Worth It
“Wait on the Lord;
Be of good courage,
And He shall strengthen your heart.”
—Psalm 27:14 (NKJV)
Romans 8:18 reminds us that no pain is permanent and no suffering is wasted. What we endure now is shaping us for eternity. Glory is not just coming—it is certain. And not only will we see it, we will share in it.
So don’t lose heart. Keep your eyes on Jesus. Stay grounded in His Word. Let the trials shape you, not shake you. And remember:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
—Romans 8:18 (NKJV)
He is not finished with you. Glory is on the way.
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