For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.  (19) For the earnest expectation of the creation eagerly waits for the revealing of the sons of God. (20) For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it in hope; (21) because the creation itself also will be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.  (22) For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.  (23) Not only that, but we also who have the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. 

The letter to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul. In our verses today Paul is writing to encourage the faithful who are suffering because of the gospel – reminding them that the troubles of this world are fleeting especially when compared to the future certain hope of the glory promised by God. What is surprising in these verses is the thought that everything in the created world has been touched with corruption/degradation by the fall of man. In these verses we are presented with two certainties and a conclusion:  All people suffer – all of history suffer- because of man’s fall and all of creation suffers because of man’s fall. The conclusion Is the future glory of the faithful is certain and God will create a new perfect world together with saved mankind at the end of this present time.

In Genesis God judges that “Cursed is the ground for your sake”.  The curse extended to all the botanical world and all the animal world.  Creation was subjected to futility;  the condemnation of man was also on all creation – but all creation according to their nature shall participate in better future condition.  God shall restore the world together with saved mankind.

Even though all creation had fallen through man the Bible tells us that even through this present corruption of nature we can still clearly see the glory of God, the creator.  What a thought that if fallen creation is as beautiful as this present world is, imagine the glory of the new heavens and the new earth.

So, in the face of present suffering we have been saved in Christ and we will have future glory in Christ.   We need to cling to this promise in order to persevere in suffering – the weight of suffering is nothing compared to the glory of eternity.