Life is full of many types of suffering. Even Christians suffer. Our bodies get sick. We face many disappointments and frustrations. Loved ones pass away. But those who belong to Jesus know that the glory that is awaiting us makes all our suffering seem like nothing. That is the greatness of the glory we will one day see. And, it is not just Christians who suffer. In fact, all of creation groans and yearns for the revelation, freedom, and glorification of God's children. Our sufferings are meaningful because they point us to our hope of adoption by God And in this hope, we are saved. But the hope is not quite yet fulfilled. If it were, it would not be hope! Instead, we wait for it patiently.

At the same time, we live in a fallen world. So, we need help. And the Spirit helps us when we need it. It helps us to know what to pray for when we are so overwhelmed in this life that we don't know how we should pray. We can know for certain, while we wait for hope to become reality, that God works for the good of those who love him. What does God do for us? He calls us, justifies us, and glorifies us.


Application: Father, this life is full of suffering. But we have hope, hope that we will be conformed into the image and likeness of Jesus Christ. Thank you for sustaining and saving us in this hope.
One Word: In this hope we are saved