Romans 8:18-39.  The sufferings of this present time consist of two types. The creation itself groans as if in childbirth. This means that things are not going to go well for anyone. There will be tribulation, distress, persecution,  famine, nakedness,  danger, and sword. Believers are not immune to these problems. The second type of suffering is from within. The Spirit within us causes us to groan inwardly as we await our complete glorification. This same Holy Spirit intercedes for us as we seek to live according to God’s will.  We suffer because we are not yet what He wants us to be – conformed to the image of Christ.  Since God and his love are with us, none of these sufferings of this present time are worthy to be compared with the future glory that awaits us.

LORD, grant us the insight to look beyond the problems of the present and see the freedom of the glory of the children of God.