Living with Hope Through Hard Seasons

Hard seasons are part of life, but they are not the end of the story. In this message from Romans 8:18-27, Pastor Chris Teien explains how God gives believers lasting hope through suffering by reminding us of the glory to come, the promise of redemption, and the Holy Spirit's faithful help in our weakness.Followers of Christ are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a glorious future. As we keep our eyes on eternity, patiently endure present trials, and depend on the Holy Spirit each day, we can face life's hardest seasons with confidence and hope.In This Message: 1. Compare Today with What Is Still to ComeThe hardships we experience today cannot compare with the eternal glory God has prepared for His people. Keeping our eyes on eternity gives us strength to persevere through present suffering. (Romans 8:18; Philippians 3:20-21; 2 Corinthians 4:17-18)2. Creation Groans While Waiting for RenewalThe world bears the effects of sin and eagerly awaits the day when Christ will make all things new. Creation itself points us toward God's coming restoration. (Romans 8:19-22; Genesis 3:17-19; Revelation 21:1-5)3. Christ Followers Groan While Waiting for RedemptionBelievers experience suffering and weakness, yet we eagerly await the redemption of our bodies and the fulfillment of God's promises. Our hope rests in what God has prepared for us. (Romans 8:23-25; 2 Corinthians 5:1-5; Philippians 3:20-21)4. The Holy Spirit Helps Us in Our WeaknessWhen we do not know how to pray or what to say, the Holy Spirit intercedes for us according to God's perfect will. We are never alone in our struggles because God faithfully strengthens His people. (Romans 8:26-27; Hebrews 4:16; John 15:7)TakeawayWhen life is difficult, keep your eyes on Christ and the hope He has promised. Trust that God is preparing something far greater than your present trials and that His Spirit is faithfully helping you every step of the way.Illustrations• A father and son fishing together illustrates the peace that comes from trusting someone who knows the way, just as believers trust God through life's uncertainties.• Building a new home reminds us that while life may appear unfinished today, God is preparing something far better for His children.• The groaning of creation, believers, and the Holy Spirit reveals that present suffering is temporary and points toward God's coming restoration.Key Quotes"Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed.""The greater the groan, the greater the glory.""We are not promised an easy life, but we are promised a glorious future."Search TopicsRomans 8, Christian hope, suffering, perseverance, Holy Spirit, eternal life, heaven, future glory, spiritual growth, Pastor Chris TeienFull Episode & Transcript:https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/1872703026.0222der  Helping you apply God's Word and follow Jesus in everyday life. Learn more at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.church  Find episode transcripts at Well.faith