For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us. For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now. Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. (Romans 8:18-23)

From Groaning To Glory

Life can be tedious. Physically the body wears down with aches and pains. Spiritually the battle against Satan is a constant threat. The apostle Paul describes life as a fight that must be fought, a race that must be finished and a faith that must be maintained. Forces of evil rail against the spirit on a daily basis. Courage must fill the heart to fight valiantly through each victory to win the next battle. Endurance is needed to keep the daily pace of running against the tide of spiritual wickedness that presses against the soul. Calm assurance restores the soul of faith to continue on with each day. Life can be filled with a lot of groaning.

The joy of salvation knows that while life can be a challenge here it is working a far more exceeding gift of glory in death. Something greater awaits the child of God. Something so grand it is without compare. All of the suffering of this world will be taken away. There will be no more temptation because sin will be removed. The pain of this life will be removed for the glory of an everlasting life. Corruption of the body, the spirit and the soul will be dismissed in the redemption of God’s love. What a joy eternity will be.

When a child is born into the world he comes without choice and no knowledge of the world to come. Being born again in the kingdom of God is a choice made when one obeys the gospel of Jesus Christ. In birth a new hope arises that transcends the futility of this life for a world of endless glory with God. Salvation in Christ instills within the heart a feeling of wonder at the world to come. The pains and sorrows of this world are tolerated for the hopeful expectation of a joyous existence with God. Death is a joy. Eagerly awaiting a new adoption is the lifeblood of the child of God. Eyes that are dimmed in this life see clearly the shores of Jordan. Hearts that fail in the body are filled with delight in the joy to come. Eyes that often fill with tears will feel the hand of God wipe them away. The body is redeemed. Praise God. Groan no more. Glory forever.

This is a direct act of hope to look through the cloud and look for a beam of the light from God. (Jeremy Taylor, Holy Living, 1650)