It Will Be Worth It All

Romans 8:18-25

The hiker finally reaches the end of a grueling trail, but they think it well worth the struggle when they see the beautiful scenery that was at the end.  The student reaches the end of many years of difficult studies and exams, but feels it was worth it when they receive their diploma and a good career awaits them.  The new mother can overlook the many hours of painful labor, and perhaps even months of sickness, when she holds her baby.  It was worth it all for her.  We can all think of instances when struggles and toils we have gone through are worth it, compared with what is at the end of all those difficulties.  That is the message that the Apostle Paul seeks to remind the readers of his letter to the church in Rome in today’s Scripture passage.  Let’s take a closer look at Paul’s message.

We all have many struggles and difficulties throughout life.  No one is spared this.  No one will reach the end of their life’s journey without having gone through some difficult days, often difficult years.  This includes Christians.  Satan hates believers, and he makes a point of aiming attacks at them.  However, Paul reminds us of a blessed truth, that all of the suffering we go through during this life cannot even begin to be compared with the wondrous glory that we will have when we reach God’s kingdom (vs. 18).  A split second is nothing compared to eternity.  Our pain and trials won’t last for eternity, but we will.  The wonder of heaven will make the most difficult life a good bargain.

When we go through tough times, we can be confident that the Lord has a purpose in those struggles.  We can trust that God is good, even when the outcome is not.  He is good during times of famine, as well as times of feasting.  God’s blessings are worth the sacrifices and obedience we make.  When we are in despair we need to remember that God is still God.  Those of us who trust in Christ have a living Hope, One who does not disappoint (vs. 20).

Mankind is not the only thing that has suffered because of sin.  All of creation has, as well.  In this passage, the word “creation” refers to everything created, not just human beings.  Sin has caused all of creation to fall from the perfect state in which God created it.  After the Fall roses now grow thorns, the bee now stings, thistles with needles grow in the grass, and a tall tree falls victim to an infestation that kills it.  Creation is in bondage to decay.  But one day all of creation will be liberated and transformed.  All creation is longing for the curse to be lifted, and has hope for a future glory.

Adam’s Fall has caused misery from then until now.  Creation looks forward to when this curse will be lifted (vs. 22).   At the time when Jesus returns, the curse from the days of Adam will be lifted, and creation will be restored.  Until that day, all of creation groans.  That day is drawing closer, and the glory that creation will receive will be worth the wait.  However, waiting for our trials and burdens of life to end, even waiting for “the redemption of our body”, seems to take forever (vs. 22-23).  Waiting for Jesus to return often seems to take too long, and we might want to give up.  Time may drag, but don’t give up.  He will come again!

How can we know for sure that not only our bodies, but all of creation will be redeemed and restored?  The Holy Spirit is the down payment, the first installment, as a guarantee of our resurrection life (vs. 23).  He is the first installment of the glory yet to follow.  God cares for us, and He will bring what is best for us, even if it is not what we had planned.  Though people sometimes fail to keep their promises, God never makes a promise that He won’t keep (vs. 24-25).  Sometimes it takes some time, but we can put our confidence in His goodness and wisdom.