We all try to paint this world as something it is not, doing everything we can to ignore the obvious truth that something is wrong. There is something fundamentally wrong with everything in creation, and the source of this epidemic can be traced back to the day sin entered the world. Sin separated us—and all of creation—from the source of all life; thus, all of creation is subject to death (Isaiah 59:2). However, God, in His love and mercy, graciously gave His Son so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life. This is where restoration begins, and ultimately, all things will be restored (Acts 3:21).

The Word of God sobers us up, reminding us that this world is plagued by sin and misery and that we are in need of salvation. Unfortunately, the world does everything it can to distract us from this truth, offering entertainment, drugs, alcohol, sex, power, and prestige to keep us from recognizing our dire condition. The word of God, on the other hand, presents us with the reality of our situation and reminds us our days are numbered—death is inevitable.

All of creation groans, acknowledging this truth, and eagerly awaits the restoration of all things, where everything will return to an Eden-like state, free from thorns and decay (Genesis 3:18). We, too, groan in recognition of this truth and look forward to a body no longer subject to death and decay but one that is immortal (1 Corinthians 15:53). The Spirit of God Himself groans in anticipation of the day when we will no longer be under the influence of sin and its effects. All three of us—creation, humanity, and the Spirit—look forward to the day of future glory, the restoration of all things, where our suffering will serve a purpose, transforming our sin and misery into grace and glory (1 Peter 5:10, 2 Corinthians 4:17).

Today, we are not alone in our suffering; God is with us (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20, Hebrews 13:5). Not only is He with us, but He is also groaning alongside us and interceding for us according to His will (Philippians 2:12).

We can take comfort in the fact that all of this momentary suffering is used by God for His glory and our good. The “why’s” we encounter in life—the questions like “Why is this happening to me?”—are given meaning, and God can turn even the most egregious suffering into purpose within the grand narrative of eternity for His glory and our benefit.

God knows what He is doing. Do you trust that He can use all things for a purpose? Remember, He used the cross for the salvation of us all. Will He not also use our suffering to bring others to the cross? We are called to put on Christ, which includes taking up our crosses, knowing that the world will be hostile toward us. Yet, with His Spirit, we can say, “Forgive them, for they know not what they are doing” (Matthew 16:24-26, Luke 23:34). God is calling us to future glory; therefore, we must keep our eyes on the prize. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

Father God, help us not to get caught up in the affairs of this world that would cause us to forget our predicament and our need for salvation. Lord, fill us with Your Spirit so that, regardless of our circumstances, we may live in joy.