Living with Hope Through Hard Seasons

Hard seasons are part of life, even for believers. In this episode, Pastor Chris walks through Romans 8:18–27 and explores what he calls “A Glory and Three Groans.” Discover how creation groans for renewal, believers groan for redemption, and the Holy Spirit groans in prayer on our behalf. This message will help you anchor your hope in future glory while faithfully enduring present trials.

Link: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2285086/episodes/18727030

1. Compare Now with What Comes Next – Paul reminds us that present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed (Romans 8:18). Though hardship is real, eternity reframes everything. Our future inheritance as co-heirs with Christ (Romans 8:17) gives us strength to endure today.

2. Creation Groans for Renewal – Because of the fall (Genesis 3:17), creation is subjected to frustration and decay. Yet Romans 8:19–22 promises that creation itself will be liberated. Revelation 21–22 assures us that God will make all things new and remove the curse forever.

3. Believers Groan for Redemption – We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit long for the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). Our hope is not escape from this world, but resurrection and glorification (Philippians 3:20–21; 2 Corinthians 5:1–4). We wait patiently, confident that God is finishing what He started.

4. The Spirit Groans in Prayer – In our weakness, when we do not know what to pray, the Spirit intercedes for us according to the will of God (Romans 8:26–27). Jesus Himself also intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). We are never alone in our suffering.

Personal Stories from Pastor Chris:
Pastor Chris shares a humorous moment at camp when he reacted to surprise by shouting “glory,” illustrating how groaning reveals the heart. He also recounts building a home that initially looked like chaos but eventually became something beautiful, mirroring how God is building future glory out of present hardship.

Notable Quotes:
“Present suffering is real, but it is not ultimate.”
“Creation groans, believers groan, and even the Spirit groans, but glory is coming.”
“This is not heaven. But heaven is coming.”

Actionable Takeaways:
Reflect on a current hardship and compare it with the eternal glory promised in Christ.
Choose to remain faithful today, even when circumstances feel heavy.
Pray honestly, trusting the Spirit to intercede when words fail.
Share the hope of Christ with someone who is walking through suffering.

Scripture References:
Romans 8:17–27 – Suffering, glory, and the Spirit’s intercession
2 Corinthians 11:23–28 – Paul’s endurance through hardship
Philippians 3:20–21 – The promise of a glorified body
Genesis 3:17 – The curse on creation
Revelation 21:1–4; 22:3 – The removal of the curse and new creation

Keywords:
Christian hope, Romans 8, suffering and glory, resurrection, Holy Spirit intercession, future glory, biblical endurance, new creation, perseverance, faith in hard seasons

Closing Statement:
This episode encourages listeners to fix their eyes on eternal glory, remain faithful in suffering, and trust that God is working even through life’s hardest seasons.

The WELL Faith Podcast offers encouraging, Bible-based messages from Pastor Chris Teien and guests. New sermons are released every Sunday. Replay episodes are marked with an asterisk. Visit the well.faith media page and find us online at ChrisTeien.com and Rockwell.Church in Virginia, MN. Email comments to [e-mail]