I love this verse. It's so simple in its message yet it speaks volumes to my heart. Our Sunday School class finished a study of the book of Romans a few weeks ago and I enjoyed learning more about Paul and the purpose of him writing this letter to the Romans. He was telling the people of Rome not to be discouraged and keep their faith strong and to not lose their hope. He had not met them yet. Their church had been started by Jews who had come to faith during Pentecost and they had spread the gospel on their return to Rome, and the church had grown. He sent this letter, the book of Romans, to introduce himself and to make a clear declaration of the faith.
In this verse, Paul wanted to assure the Romans that whatever struggles they faced, it would be worth it in the end because they would one day be in the presence of the Lord, forever separated from sin and suffering. That's an amazing thought. One I don't dwell on often, but definitely should. It's so important to remember that there's nothing I can go through that is worth comparing to how glorious it will be one day when Christ is revealed to me.
