Glory > Suffering

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 that speaks to the life of a Christian being easy; but on the contrary, many depict suffering, hardships, and tribulation… 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 in the 9th chapter of Acts with a man named 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 of 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 otherwise… 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 know that there are no shortcuts on this journey… 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 trials 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. 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!

 

ALL FOR HIS GLORY!