Are verses 18 and 28 in conflict with each other?
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us,” (18) Consider, “present sufferings”.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (28) Consider, “God works for the good.”
Does “present sufferings” and “God works for the good” conflict? No. So then I can conclude that my present sufferings are a part of God’s work for my good. “All things” includes suffering.
How? The answer to that question is in verses 23 thru 25. “We who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.”
Therein lies God’s plan for my good within sufferings. My present sufferings produce hope. This hope saves me. Faith, hope, and love save (1 Cor. 13:13) I will be liberated from this body of decay all because I hope in suffering (21).
Does this mean my whole life in Christ will contain sufferings? Maybe. Yet, if my mindset is correct, even the sufferings don’t have their ill effects as much as they could, not if I hold onto hope. More than that, the Spirit helps in my weakness as I pray (26, 27).