One of the great blessings of my life is the commitment to study the Word of God. I do not believe I have a greater privilege than when I get to share God’s Word with His people. After hours of study and coming to an understanding personally, it is just really special to be able to have the opportunity to communicate it.

Reflecting on yesterday as I talked with our people about being “Free In Suffering,” I want to revisit the five insights shared from Romans 8:18-27. When we experience any present problems or temporary affliction, this is suffering. We may see them as setbacks, problems, obstacles, and so much more, but can we really sense peace and freedom when we are walking through tough times?

How can I be free and peaceful when I walk in days of suffering? I need to remember these insights because they will lead me to sense freedom in suffering.

1) Everyone and everything experiences suffering. I do not have to feel like “God is picking on me” because He says that even creation suffers, as do all people. Why? The fallen nature of man. The choices of our flesh always lead to sin and death.

2) All suffering is temporary. It is comforting and encouraging to realize that suffering is temporary. There is coming a day when we will not suffer again.

3) Eagerly expect the redemption of my body. When I realize my full “adoption status” into God’s family, I will be free from all suffering in life. When will this happen? When Jesus comes again and He raises all from the dead, my body will be raised from the dead and glorified before Him. Between now and then, I can eagerly expect that one day my full rights and privileges of spiritual adoption will be realized. Gratefully, that day is closer today than yesterday.

4) Greatest suffering is incomparable to the coming glory of God.
Just think, regardless of how great my suffering really is or ever becomes this side of heaven, it is really incomparable to the coming glory of God. One day that glory will consume us and all, I mean all, tribulations, problems, and suffering will fade away.

5) Holy Spirit is with me.
Yes, I am not alone, because He entered my life at conversion. He is the first-fruits of more to come, the down payment of so much more to come. He hurts with me. He prays for me. He is interceding for me to do God’s will. The Holy Spirit is not only with me praying for me, but He is with me in my weaknesses. By His power, I can become strong, even in weakness.

Finally, when I realize the following reality, I am enveloped with God’s peace and freedom. All of us will realize one day what this statement says that was made by Corrie Ten Boom:

“You may never know Jesus is all you need until Jesus is all you have.”