For I reckon that the sufferings of
this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be
revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
The bible is filled with passages
that speak to the amount of suffering that a Christian will endure within
his/her lifetime… There is not a single scripture which speaks to the life of a
Christian being easy; but on the contrary, there are many which depict
suffering, hardships and tribulations… The writer of this passage (Paul) was a
man who once found pleasure in persecuting others; however, in his conversion,
God speaks to the suffering that Paul will endure in a conversation that takes
place in the 9th chapter of Acts with a man by the name of Ananias… But the Lord said to Ananias, “Go! This man is my chosen instrument to
proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel. I will show him
how much he must suffer for my name.” Suffering is a vital part to the Christian journey; faith
is developed through suffering, rewards are accumulated through suffering and
growth is displayed through suffering… So many people proclaim a relationship
on the surface with Jesus Christ; however, in the suffering stages their
actions say others… Even in the most uncomfortable situations we are reminded
today that they are not worthy to be
compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us… The results that
come from your suffering will negate the suffering that you experience… Nobody really
likes to suffer, but as a child of God we must speak the truth and no that there
are no shortcuts on this journey… One thing in life is certain and that is that
you will experience hardships and obstacles… I don’t think a day goes by in our
lives where there isn’t at least one thing that takes place in our lives that
causes us heartache, stress or disappointment… I have heard so many people
speak of problems that they are facing and I believe we all would agree with
the saying, “You’re either in a storm,
coming out of a storm or going into a storm…” Although difficulties
are never something you want to face, the bible tells us several times (today’s
focus verse is an example) about the affliction that we will experience… As a
Christian, trials and tribulations are a part of growing in Christ… When we
face trials we are called to embrace them because they display your faith and
God’s faithfulness… The bible says that faith without works is dead, so we must
endure hardships to display our faith and by overcoming (working) we allow
God’s sovereign light to shine in our lives… These trials that we face are not to intimidate us but for God’s glory
and power to be manifested in your life…
Paul was imprisoned and his
praises broke the walls down, Job lost everything and gained double what he
had, David was isolated in a cave before he came out as king of Israel, and
Jesus was mocked and whip before he received all power in heaven and on earth!
Understand that trials are common place for a Christian; every
day we are facing trials and tribulations, not to strike fear in us, but to
prepare us for Christ’s return and equip us to know that we can be victorious
because every trail we face can be transformed into a stepping stone… Paul is charging the Church of Rome just as he is charging
us today; don’t become weary, don’t give up, don’t be discouraged because you
have to go through some sad days or sleepless nights; don’t become fearful
because it seems like the enemy has the upper hand. Your trails are tools for
growth and purging, we are learning that through Christ all things are possible
and that he should be our focus and strength.
Later on in this chapter Paul says
that we are more than conquers and that nothing can separate us from the Love
of God! To be more than a conqueror you
have to face your share of mountains and shadows of death, to be more than a
conqueror you have to go through the pains of maturity and face puzzling and complicated
days… Likewise, to know that nothing can separate us from the Love of God
is encouraging for us to know, we are in God’s care and He will never put more
on us than we can bear… In order to know that we can’t be separated from God’s
love we must be tried and the enemy will come and try to end your divine
appointment, he will come and try to kill God’s vision for you life, and
destroy your hopes and dreams! Attacks will come, dismay will come, but it will
not come near you if you make the Lord your dwelling place (Psalms 91)! Trials
seem to weigh us down; however on the scale of life the blessing that are in
store outweigh your suffering… Paul says
the present sufferings don’t even compare… What I gather from this is that
whatever I am going through right now isn’t going to outweigh what God has in
store… This is simple equation – 1 obstacle = at least 2 blessings… You have
suffered several challenges in your life, the blessings you receive from God
will be double what you have faced on this earth … Yes we all have to go
through the refining process, it’s painful, and hectic, but just as gold we
will see our true value and the worth that we have in God’s kingdom… Suffer now, so that you don’t suffer later!
BE
BLESSED!!!
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