Have you ever suffered or known anyone that has experienced suffering? I guess that’s a dumb question because of course you have. If you exist, you have received suffering at the hands of others, or you have caused others suffering. Even the very earth is subject to suffering because it is subject to sin. As believers, we sometimes think we are no longer have to suffer. That our lives should only be filled with happiness and good vibes. Most of the time we don’t straight up say it, but we live our lives in such a way that mirrors that exact thought. So, get ready, because Romans 8:17-23 is about to blow your mind. SUFFERING BRINGS GLORY "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory." Romans 8:17 Yep, you read that correctly. When we suffer with Christ, we are not only heirs, but we are glorified with him. The path to glory, to eternity is filled with suffering. Super encouraging, I know! But, as you move into verses 18-23, Paul lets us know that the suffering is worth it. CREATION SUFFERS "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." Romans 8:18-19 Crazy enough, suffering doesn’t just affect us. Creation itself experiences suffering and despair. Not only has suffering impacted the world in our lifetime, but the world has been suffering for a while now (since Genesis 3 to be exact). Thankfully, there will come a time when creation will no longer be subject to sin, but there is a future reality. There will be a time in the future where creation will no longer be subject to sin and that time is eagerly longed for. The disasters that surround us like hurricanes, tornadoes, plate shifts and wildfires will one day end. Creation longs for the coming of Jesus. THE FALL BROUGHT SUFFERING "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. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." Romans 8:20-22 The fall that happened in Genesis 3 not only subjected mankind to sin and brokenness, but it subjected the earth to sin and brokenness. The earth literally groans for God. The state of creation caused by the rebellion of Adam and Eve, was a holy and just response from God. It was the rebellion of our first parents that set in motion the plan God had for redemption. Sin continues to destroy all of creation, but the coming of Jesus will bring fourth a new creation, new heaven, new earth that is untouched by sin. In other words, it will be perfect! This idea should put into perspective our suffering. The whole earth groans for redemption and so do we. There is not a place, person or moment in time (post Genesis 3 of course) that hasn’t been touched and deeply wounded by suffering and sin. CHRISTIANS SUFFER TOO "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies." Romans 8:23 As believers, we are quick to think that because we follow Jesus that we are exempt from suffering and hardship. But, as you can see in verse 23, even we as Christians (first fruits) groan for redemption. We groan to be with Jesus, to be whole. We long for the day we are no longer subject to the decay of sin and reality of suffering. SIN = SUFFERING The world is filled with brokenness and with this brokenness comes suffering. Whether we experience suffering because of our actions or the actions of others, all suffering stems from sin. Because of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, all of mankind experience hardship. As humans, our response is to usually blame God. However, when we are faced with difficulty, our response should be mourning. When we remember that suffering is a universal reality, our hearts should break. We should be crushed at the idea of sin. When we hear a friend’s horrible diagnosis, the death of a loved one or when we experience unemployment, these moments should remind us that we groan for the return of Jesus. When we are faced with suffering, it should bring to remembrance the hope that is found in Christ alone. Suffering hurts, it takes your breath away and brings you to your knees, but we have a High Priest that knows and empathizes with our pain (Hebrews 4:14-16). GOOD NEWS When you look at the brokenness of creation, history, the people around us and even at ourselves, it’s easy to lose hope. But this suffering is what makes the Gospel so beautiful and is exactly why it’s called the good news. In Christ, we are forgiven. In Christ, the suffering we experience is met with comfort. Jesus came to this broken world because He knew that without Him, we would be left in sin and suffering. God himself, Jesus, came to earth to live a perfect life, suffered and died on a cross to pay the cost of our sin and then rose again and defeated death. Because of this good news, salvation is offered to us. By faith, salvation makes it possible for us to find fellowship and hope with God. Yes, as believers, we still experience suffering (remember verse 23). But, as we suffer, we have the hope of Jesus, the hope of eternity with Him. We have an overwhelming joy and peace that comes from knowing Jesus. Remember that when you have nothing at all, you still have Jesus, which is everything. [embed]https://youtu.be/FNh4eWvnjJU[/embed] by Emily LaGrone