Sufferings And Glory

For I consider 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 

God saves the best for last. The redeemed people of God are bound for glory. That glory will transform them in every way. It will affect the physical, mental, spiritual, and social. It will entail the end result of sanctification with complete Christ-likeness. This will be an eternal glory that shall not fade away. Before we enter into this glorious state and condition, we shall endure some suffering. Paul contrasts that suffering with the glory that will follow. He speaks of it elsewhere, saying, ‘ For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.’ He goes on to say that we do not concentrate on the things which are seen but upon the things which are not seen. He points out that what is seen is temporary. The glory, which we do not see now, is eternal. This helps put our present sufferings into perspective. That we are suffering with Christ also gives our present sufferings meaning. This elevates them to be more than mere earthly hardships. The previous verse of our text points out, ‘If indeed we suffer with Him that we may also be glorified together.’ It is important that we live in the light of our union with Christ and the long-term ramifications of it. We do suffer now, but glory follows.    

Our Living and Almighty God, 
we rejoice that You see the end from the beginning. 
We praise You that though we endure suffering now, 
there is glory to follow. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning