Veres: Romans 8:18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Devotion
As an athlete and a coach this concept makes a lot of sense to me. How often do we have to put the work in for training, knowing that the pain we are going through will result in us being able to play better in games? Nobody likes preseason when you are running hills, running sprints, doing pushups, etc. But everyone likes being in shape when they get into the game.
Think of the converse. What if we skipped the hard stuff in preseason because we didn't want to "suffer?" Then when the game came, would we be happier if we couldn't keep up? If we were too out of breath to play well? If we had to get subbed out and watch? No, the pain of preseason is worth the glory of the game.
Similarly, when we are going through hard times, God wants to give us hope by giving us perspective in two ways: First, he helps us. And second, it is producing something good in us.
A few verses later Paul says that "the spirit helps us in our weakness." So right off the bat we can know that we don't have to "suffer" alone.
And secondly, whatever you are going through, God is going to use to work in your life. He will use it refine you and make you more like him—he is doing something greater in you right now! AND eventually, all this suffering will be wiped away when glory is revealed as we meet Jesus.
In other words, it will all be worth it. So be encouraged if you are struggling right now. You aren't alone. Christians all over the world are living in hope just like you are. Let the Spirit help you, and remember that God is forming something much greater in you right now.