Future glory over present suffering!

I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 

(Romans 8:18 NIV)

I love this verse! For we do face suffering and pain in this life, some more than others. In this life we are not promised everything we desire or think is good. In fact Jesus promises us suffering for truly following him:

Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me. 

(John 15:20, 21 NIV)

We must set our hopes on the truth. The gospel is one of a heavenly hope not a prosperity promise today. But as this verse in Romans reminds us we set our hopes on heaven on eternity. For that future glory of eternity at peace and in the very fullness of Gods presence is utter glory. So we set our hopes on this future glory, through Christ who left that place of glory and promised to bring those who believe with him to glory in the end. But now we endure this life to grow our faith:

Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowd over. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he and Barnabas left for Derbe. They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” they said. 

(Acts 14:19-22 NIV)

Few of us have endured hardship like Paul. Here he is stoned and then lives and goes on to preach the gospel with joy in The Lord! For his words carry weight ecause of his suffering: encouraging them to remain true to the faith. “We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,” 

Lord set our hopes on your eternal kingdom! Help me to grow in faith through the journey and the hardships of this life. Lord I want to remain true to the faith no matter what! But I am weak and need your strength! 

Amen