Carrying a Cross, Holding on to Hope – September 4, 2026
Read: Romans 8:18-25
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. Romans 8:18,24-25
Carrying a Cross, Holding on to Hope
In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
This week, we have heard that Jesus commands Christians to carry their “crosses”. To carry your cross means to bear whatever difficulties you face because of your faith in Jesus. This week we also heard from Jeremiah that because our crosses are so heavy, we are tempted to set them down and turn away from God. Both Jesus and the prophet Jeremiah recognize that being a Christian does not mean that life is easy.
Saint Paul says the same thing in our verses, and that can be very helpful. Sometimes, Christians feel like they are doing something wrong whenever they suffer. Sometimes, Christians feel like they do not have enough faith if they are frustrated by the way the broken world works around them. Neither of those things is necessarily true. Paul says that all creation “groans” because sin has damaged God’s once-perfect world. Christians groan too. We become sick. People hurt us. Things break. Loved ones die.
This means that we Christians do not have to pretend that life is all cake and ice cream. We Christians do not have to pretend that everything is a walk in the park. Instead, we can honestly admit when something hurts. Suffering does exist. We can cry, pray, and ask others for help.
But our suffering is not the end of the story. Paul writes, “Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18). Paul is talking about the day when our Lord Jesus returns and makes all creation new. He will raise our bodies and make them glorious, never to become sick, injured, or old again. How can we be sure? Jesus was raised from the dead on Easter. Because he lives, our sins are forgiven. Because he lives, we will also live with him in his perfect new creation.
So, even though we Christians are realistic about our suffering, we are still hopeful. We are completely confident that one day everything will not merely be better, it will be perfect!
That’s why Paul says that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with what’s coming. It is like comparing canned spinach with an ice-cream sundae or extra homework with an entire summer of fun. The difference is so enormous that there really is no comparison.
For now, we wait. But we do not wait like someone wondering whether something will happen. We wait with certain hope because Jesus has already risen. Trouble is real—but so is Jesus. And because Jesus lives, our hope is real too.
Prayer:
Almighty God, sin has brought pain and brokenness into your creation. When we hurt, help us to speak honestly to you and trust that you will make all things new and perfect when Jesus returns. Give us certain hope as we wait for him to return, raise our bodies, and make all things new. Help us encourage others with this hope. Amen.
The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.
Questions for Younger Children
- We are waiting for heaven. What is something you know comes each year but that you have to wait for?
- What wonderful thing will Jesus do when he returns?
Questions for Elementary Age Children
- Paul says that sin causes things in creation to decay—to wear out, break down, or die. What examples have you seen?
- What can you say, do, or remember when you are suffering and waiting for Jesus to make everything new?
Questions for Middle School and Above
- How could you use these verses to comfort Christians suffering after an earthquake or another disaster?
- Paul says that Christians “groan inwardly” while waiting for Jesus to make everything new. How can prayer help us during that waiting?
