Romans 8:18-22 (NASB)
18For I
consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared
with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 19For the anxious
longing of the creation waits eagerly for the revealing of the sons of God. 20For
the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who
subjected it, in hope 21that the creation itself also will be set
free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the
children of God. 22For we know that the whole creation groans and
suffers the pains of childbirth together until now.
Ah! Suffering!
Paul is dealing with one
of the major issues that believers have to deal with. What is our relationship to suffering? Why do we suffer? How should we view suffering? It is easy to get caught thinking about
suffering in overly simplistic terms.
Many of us hide many wrong thoughts about suffering such as:
·
Legalistic - “All suffering happens because I
did something wrong.”
·
Atheistic/Agnostic – “Suffering is proof that
God doesn’t care, exist, or isn’t able.”
·
Victim – “It is always someone else’s fault.”
More unbiblical attitudes
about suffering could surely be added to this but Paul doesn’t waste time with
that. Rather, the Holy Spirit gives us a
clear understanding of where trials come from, what purpose they are serving
and how the believer is to respond to them.
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