“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18 NIV)
Our struggles, God’s glory.
Paul was honest. He doesn’t hide the fact, following Christ isn’t easy. Hardship is a part of a Christ follower’s life. Hardship is a part of people’s lives who don’t follow Christ as well. Hardship is a part of everyone’s life. Some people just conceal their pain better than others.
Paul didn’t try to hide his pain. He was honest about his struggles. He glorified God with each one. He laid his aches and pains at his Father’s feet, then he picked up his cross and kept going. Paul never forgot what Jesus did for him on the road to Damascus. On that dirt path, Paul turned his life over to Jesus. He was never the same again.
Our struggles, God’s glory.
We cannot comprehend God’s glory. We don’t have the capacity to understand His true magnificence. Only when we join Him in heaven will we understand. Until then, we are to wait patiently:
“Not only so, but we ourselves, 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.” (Romans 8:23-25 NIV)
What carries us through the struggles of today is the hope of Jesus. Because of Him, our heavenly Father welcomes us into His arms.. When we die, they are wide open, ready to wrap around us, drawing us into the heavenly realm. His words to us: “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matthew 25:23 NIV).
This life and everything in it is temporary. Whatever situation you’re facing today, it will pass. Nothing lasts forever:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” (2 Corinthians 4:17 NIV)
When life is getting the best of you, remember it is temporary. As Paul says, our troubles are “light and momentary.”
COVID isn’t going to last forever. Viruses die over time as people become immune to them. The economy will recover. Jobs will become available. We will have a new normal. Life will change because of COVID, but it won’t stop. Plexiglass is here to stay. Masks aren’t going anywhere anytime soon. Companies that make hand sanitizer are a safe investment. We will adapt as needed, and keep going.
God’s glory is yet to come. He will deliver us from all of our troubles at the appointed time. Until then, we are to wait patiently, as we persevere.
Question of the Day:
In what situation do you need to remind yourself, it’s only temporary?
Further Reading: 2 Chronicles 8:11-10:19 NIV, Romans 8:9-25 NIV, Psalm 18:16-36 NIV, Proverbs 19:26 NIV