We live in a world where suffering is a part of life. Every hospital reminds us of human suffering. A thousand screaming sirens in the night shriek their message of the reality of suffering. Until the Lord returns, suffering will continue. It is the result of sin.

Even nature suffers. The fall of man affected all of creation. Earthquakes, violent storms, intemperate weather and other convulsions of nature remind us of the effect of sin on creation.

But suffering will end someday. Interestingly, the Bible says that all of creation awaits that day. When Jesus listed the signs of His return, He spoke of increased natural upheavals. Paul compares that to the travail of giving birth; “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). Nature is eager for the Lord’s return.

Glory later is as sure as suffering now: “For I reckon 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). Knowing that we would understand degrees of suffering, the Holy Spirit moved Paul to compare suffering and glory. His comparison simply demonstrates there is no comparison. And that is quite a commentary on the coming glory. We have all seen intense suffering even if we have not experienced it. Still, the Bible says, the most heart-moving examples of suffering cannot compare in degree with the glory that awaits us.

While traveling through this world, even Christians may expect some suffering and trouble. Don’t fret. The glory ahead will make it all worthwhile!