“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. 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. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” — Romans 8:18–25 (NIV)

With our hearts set on worship, we go to the message. It unfolds in three sections: our present sufferings and future glory, the future glory of Israel, and revealed for His glory with an earthly example. Last Sunday our pastor set the table, telling us what it means to be made new. My assignment today is to show where that newness leads, because God does not renew us just for our comfort but so that His glory can be seen through us.

In Romans 8:18, Paul says that our present sufferings cannot be compared with the glory that will be revealed in us. He is not saying our pain is light or easy. Paul is making a comparison: if you put all the struggles on one side of a scale and God’s future glory on the other, the glory is so weighty that today’s pain becomes small.

In verses 19–22, Paul talks about creation—nature itself. Creation is waiting in eager expectation for God’s children to be revealed. Because of sin, creation is subjected to frustration and decay and longs to be set free and share in the freedom and glory of God’s children. The whole world is broken—storms, sickness, death, and disorder. But God has given creation hope that one day it will be renewed. It’s like creation is sitting on the edge of its seat, waiting for God to reveal His children—fully renewed, fully transformed, shining with His glory.

When Paul says creation groans like a woman in labor, this is not hopeless pain. It is the pain that comes before something new and beautiful is born.

In verse 23, Paul turns from creation to believers. We have the firstfruits of the Spirit and we groan inwardly as we wait for full adoption and redemption. The Holy Spirit is a foretaste of what’s coming. We know we belong to God, but we feel the tension—fighting sin, dealing with weakness, aging, disappointment. That inner groaning is a holy restlessness. We are grateful for what God has done, but we long for the day when we are completely renewed.

Finally, in verses 24–25, Paul talks about hope for what we cannot yet see. Biblical hope always looks ahead. We trust God’s promises while we wait patiently. Waiting patiently doesn’t mean doing nothing—it means continuing in faith, knowing God’s timing is perfect.

Reflection: Are we so focused on our afflictions that we lose sight of the hope we have? Lord, help us keep our eyes fixed on Your glory. Amen.

“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you. See, darkness covers the earth and thick darkness the peoples, but the Lord rises upon you and His glory appears over you.” — Isaiah 60:1–2 (NIV)

Isaiah gives a vivid picture of restoration: God’s light rising upon Israel even as spiritual darkness fills the world. In verse 1, God commands Israel to arise and shine. This is a call to action—to arise from discouragement, shake off spiritual lethargy, and stand with holy confidence. This light is the Lord’s own presence and blessing, bringing joy, hope, and radiance.

Verse 2 shows the contrast: darkness covers the earth, symbolizing sin and separation, but the Lord rises over His people like the dawn. His glory becomes visible, making His people a testimony to the world. His light shines through them, revealing grace and piercing deep darkness.

Reflection: Lord, are we awake to Your light? Help us rise and shine for Your glory. Amen.

Our present trials may feel heavy, but they are nothing compared to the glory God will reveal in us. This truth came alive through the life of a sister in our church family. I do not know her full story, but I know she is a woman of character and quiet devotion whose faith is evident to all.

For months she submitted requests during the 6:00 AM Zoom prayer, asking for favor in obtaining a new apartment. She waited patiently in humble obedience—and God delivered. I remember carrying items up the steep steps to her second-floor apartment, wondering how she managed them considering her disability. Romans 8:18 comes alive in her story. God sees us, hears us, and at the appointed time He makes His goodness visible.

“Those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not faint.” — Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)

Her faith required patience. Her story reminds us that no matter how hard it seems, God is working behind the scenes. God moves in His time.

“If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the good of the land.” — Isaiah 1:19 (NIV)

Reflection: How deep is your faith when God asks you to wait? Lord, help us trust Your timing and Your ways. Amen.

Paul reminds us that our present sufferings are real, but they are not final. Though we feel their weight now, they are light and momentary compared to the eternal glory God will reveal in us. All creation groans in anticipation of that day, waiting for His glory to be revealed.

The prophet Isaiah shows what that revelation looks like: God’s light rising upon His people, His glory shining over them even as darkness covers the world. God calls us to arise and shine—to wake from discouragement, to stand in strength, and to reflect His light.

Our sister’s story shows this truth lived out—quiet faith, patient waiting, devoted prayer. What once was hidden has become a visible testimony of God’s goodness.

As we go forward, let us be a people who wait with hope, arise when God calls, and shine with the light of Christ. May His glory be revealed in us.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your Word. Thank You for reminding us that though we face peaks and valleys, You see and know them all. Teach us to wait in faith, to trust Your timing, and to walk in obedience. Reveal Your glory in us as we submit to Your process. May our lives shine to Your honor. Amen.