Groaning For Glory

“For I consider that our present sufferings cannot even be compared to the coming glory that will be revealed to us. For the creation eagerly waits for the revelation of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility—not willingly but because of God who subjected it—in hope that the creation itself will also be set free from the bondage of decay into the glorious freedom of God’s children. For we know that the whole creation groans and suffers together until now. Not only this, but we ourselves also, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we eagerly await our adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, because who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we eagerly wait for it with endurance.” Romans 8:18-25 NET

What do we truly sacrifice in the face of suffering? Is it money? Prestige? Status within our communities or workplaces? Health? These may be real things to consider, but none of these losses can compare to the extraordinary spiritual reality that will be unveiled within us if we remain steadfast in our faith. We are not simply enduring hardship; we are undergoing a profound transformation, known in Greek as “metamorphosis,” into the very likeness of Jesus Christ. This transformation extends beyond mere appearance; it reaches our identity’s core, aligning us with His divine nature.

Essentially, we are being reshaped into divine beings from the inside out. Through our relationship with Jesus, we adopt God’s attributes—Unconditional love, boundless grace, and holiness. This journey of transformation is not merely a change in behavior, as it may seem, but a powerful revelation of our true selves, reflecting the divine image from which we were created. Each trial we face is a catalyst, drawing us closer to fulfilling our divine potential and purpose.

Creation eagerly anticipates the revelation of the sons of God, highlighting the innate understanding that our existence is meant for more than survival, finding a mate, or accumulating worldly possessions or power. At a profound level, we recognize that a higher purpose lies ahead, one that transcends our everyday experiences and taps into the spiritual realm that most of the time feels just beyond our reach.

The Apostle Paul vividly describes our suffering as a purposeful entry point into the transformative journey. Rather than seeing suffering solely as a burden, or an unavoidable consequence of life, we can view it as a necessary stimulant for change—an opportunity for growth and deeper reliance upon Jesus. When we remain steadfast in our loyalty to Jesus during our trials, we initiate this remarkable process of transformation, which focuses on trusting Jesus for the outcome. This journey shapes us to reflect Jesus’ character uniquely and beautifully, explicitly tailored to our experiences and struggles. It truly is a matter of perspective to see Christ in all things.

It’s important to remember that each person’s journey through suffering is distinct, influenced by their circumstances, background, emotional landscape, and sometimes unseen factors. In navigating our hardships, we uncover essential truths about ourselves that help us develop a profound trust in Jesus. This trust enables us to embrace the uncertainty of our situation while still believing wholeheartedly in His greater purpose for our lives.

Ultimately, recognizing that suffering can lead us toward spiritual depth changes our perspective and empowers us to face challenges with resilience and hope. Embracing this truth can guide us to a richer understanding of our divine purpose and the transformative power of unwavering faith and trust in God.

We were created with a divine purpose, designed to grow into something greater than our current selves. Throughout history, we have often attributed the corruption of our flesh and moral decline to Satan, who operates in rebellion against God to keep us trapped in ignorance, preventing us from fully grasping God’s knowledge and the profound purpose He has for our lives.

However, God, in His infinite wisdom, foresaw the detrimental impact of Satan’s rebellion on humanity, and understanding the depths of our suffering, He allowed trials and tribulations to unfold as part of the human experience. This was not an act of abandonment, but rather a hope-filled strategy, intended to guide us toward freedom. Through these challenges, we are invited to seek and embrace the transformative power of faith, ultimately leading us from the chains of corruption into the glorious freedom of being children of God. This journey involves recognizing our true potential, embracing our struggles, and finding solace in the divine love that seeks to uplift and redeem us.

We recognize that God’s creation and humanity are groaning and suffering together. This profound reality is not merely an observation but a shared experience that binds us to each other and the created world. Through the redemptive work of Jesus Christ, we are invited to actively engage with God in the monumental mission of redeeming and transforming all creation back to its original divine order of perfection.

Jesus, through His life, teachings, and sacrificial death, established a powerful and transformative example for us to follow. His ministry set in motion a course for restoring humanity and all aspects of creation to their intended state, where love, peace, and righteousness reign supreme. The Apostle Paul articulates this beautifully, stating that all creation is eagerly groaning and suffering as it awaits the revealing of the Sons of God—those who fully embody the character and purpose of Christ.

From Adam until today, we were created with the divine potential to become more than mere mortals; we are destined to become divine/human beings, fully reflecting the image of Jesus Christ. With Christ (the Anointing) dwelling within us, we have the Spirit’s power to mirror His character and actions. However, suffering often accompanies this metamorphosis, an essential pathway to profound transformation and spiritual growth.

As we embark on this transformative journey, we stand as the “first fruits” of the Spirit, embodying this divine progression. Within our hearts, we continue to groan, yearning for the full realization of our adoption as God’s sons and daughters, and the ultimate redemption of our bodies. Remarkably, only three individuals—Enoch, who walked faithfully with God; Elijah, who was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind; and Jesus, who conquered death through His resurrection, even though Jesus died, he came back to life. These have been recorded as completely transformed in their natural bodies without encountering a permanent death stasis. Their extraordinary experiences are potent reminders of what awaits us and highlight aspects of our salvation yet to be fully revealed.

Why is this bodily transformation not fully realized at this moment? There may be divine mysteries that even Jesus does not know, much like the specific timing of His return. Ultimately, only the Father knows when our bodies will be transformed into immortal, divine beings—both natural and supernatural—just as He has promised throughout Scripture. Let us hold fast to this hope, understanding that it is a promise destined to be fulfilled in God’s perfect timing, and it inspires us to live with purpose, patience, and hope as we await that glorious day.

Paul passionately articulates that our salvation is deeply enriched by the essence of hope. He asserts that if something is clearly visible and easily attainable, it cannot truly inspire hope. We do not yearn for what lies directly before our eyes; our hearts long for what remains elusive and unfound, like a priceless treasure in a field.

We hold on to the promise of immortality—a magnificent vision of life that transcends the confines of our earthly existence. It encompasses the divine assurance of being adopted into a sacred family that aligns us with the holy lineage of Jesus Christ, our King. This promise is not merely a distant fantasy but a profound reality that beckons us with purpose and significance. It is worth every moment of waiting and searching for.

Such a hope is both thrilling and transformative, energizing our spirits and urging us to navigate the trials of life with unwavering courage. It instills in us the strength to endure hardships, knowing we are part of something far greater than ourselves. It fuels our perseverance and enables us to endure life’s challenges with steadfast resolve, a glorious destiny worth every challenge we face.

Stephen Barnett