Suffering With Christ

This Sunday at Purpose, we continued our Summer at Purpose: Romans 8 series, and Pastor Josh took us deep into one of the most honest and hope-filled passages of the Bible — Romans 8:18-25. While many love to highlight the inspiring promises of Romans 8, this week we leaned into one of the tougher topics: suffering.

Yes, You Will Suffer — But It’s Not the End of the Story

Paul doesn’t sugarcoat it. Jesus himself said in John 16:33, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Suffering is inevitable in this life — through loss, grief, rejection, ministry obstacles, broken relationships, and the burdens of a fallen world.

Pastor Josh reminded us that:

We will suffer loss. Even Jesus wept when Lazarus died.

We will face ministry challenges. If you follow Jesus, you’re in full-time ministry whether you get a paycheck or not.

We will endure relational rejection. When you stand with Christ, the world won’t always understand or accept you.

And it’s not just us. All of creation is groaning, waiting for redemption. The earthquakes, storms, and natural disasters we see are reminders that this world isn’t as it should be.

Already, But Not Yet

While suffering is a present reality, it’s not a permanent one. Pastor Josh unpacked a beautiful theological truth known as the “already, but not yet.”

Already: In Christ, we’re saved. Our hope is secure.

Not Yet: We’re still waiting for the full restoration — new bodies, a new heaven and new earth, and the eternal reign of God’s Kingdom.

In the meantime, we wait patiently, even while groaning inwardly. We might try to insulate ourselves with money, health, and safety nets, but none of these can shield us from the brokenness of this world.

But Here’s the Hope: The Best Is Yet to Come

No matter what you're facing — a cancer diagnosis, a financial struggle, a broken relationship, or personal loss — if you’re a follower of Jesus, the best is yet to come.

He will make all things new. One day there will be no more death, no more pain, no more suffering. Eternity with God awaits.

Romans 8:18 reminds us:

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

What Do We Do Now?

We wait patiently.

Not passively, but actively hoping, serving, and living for Christ while we wait. And we remind ourselves daily — this world isn’t our home.

As we closed, our church responded by declaring the hope of heaven through the worship anthem “Hymn of Heaven.”

Next Steps: Grow With Us This Summer

Don’t forget — we’ve got two practical ways for you to stay connected and grow this summer:

📖 8-Week Online Romans Group | Mondays 7-8PM

📖 5-Day Reading Plan

Let’s keep growing together — through the mountaintops and the valleys — because the best is yet to come.