Bible Reading: Romans 8
Romans 8:18 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.
Followers of Jesus do not always have things go their way. I don’t know if you have experienced that or not, but you will eventually find it to be true. There is much suffering in our world and there has been since the fall. This world is cursed because of Adam’s sin. The world does not function in the perfect, pristine environment that Adam and Eve lived in before they disobeyed God. There is pain, sickness, disease, hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and evil. Why? Because man’s sin affected the whole world!
Christians suffer in many ways. Sometimes it is from physical ailments and sometimes it is from persecution. However, the Bible says that if you were to try and compare the sufferings of this present time to the glory that is coming when Jesus returns, you would not even be able to compare them. The glory that is to be revealed is so much greater than the sufferings of this time that when we see that glory we will forget the worst sufferings of here and now!
What do we do with a teaching like this? This is an encouragement to keep on keeping on for Jesus! Let the Holy Spirit fill you and live for Christ now. When you suffer, look forward to the resurrection and be encouraged. The best is yet to come! Hang in there! Don’t get too comfortable here because this world is not our ultimate home. Hebrews tells us of incredible sufferings that happened to some of the saints. How did they endure such suffering? They were always looking forward!
Hebrews 11:13-14 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For they that say such things declare plainly that they seek a country.
Do you confess that you are a stranger and a pilgrim on this earth? Are you seeking a country while passing through this world? That is the life of a Christ follower. Live for Jesus as you travel to that country he has prepared and invite fellow travelers to join you because that country is better than this one! Once you get there, you won’t want to come back!
In Christ,
Rody
