Paul recognized the tension between the suffering that people were enduring and the great hope that they had in Christ. He encouraged the Church at Rome to focus on the future glory rather than the present suffering. Paul encouraged the Roman Christians that God's plans for them were far greater than they could have imagined. In addition, in the midst of the present suffering, there was hope - the hope of the fulfillment of the promises of Christ.

Jesus used two examples of very small significance but powerful effect to explain the kingdom of God. First of all, the mustard seed is an incredibly small seed, yet it can grow into a large bush where birds can nest. A grain of yeast is also very small, yet when mixed with flour, it will not only grow, but will cause the flour to grow until there is a large loaf of bread. These two small grains can grow to shelter birds' nests and to provide plenty of food. The kingdom of God may have seemed small and insignificant, but it was powerful and life changing. In a similar way, our faith, hope, and response to the Spirit may seem insufficient at first, but if we are faithful, it will transform us.