"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." Romans 8:18
There are times in the life of every one of us Christians when we think we cannot continue. Pain, agony, loss of a loved one, loneliness, divorce, sickness, unexpected events, and other unpleasant experiences like these discourage us.
In the midst of pain, agony, and sorrow we may readily think that God is causing us to suffer too much, that He has gone past our limit. This can never occur. God reminds us and comforts us through these words of Saint Paul: "He will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear" (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Even though it is true that "we must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God" (Acts 14:22), the apostle reminds us that all our sufferings here on earth are not worth comparing to the great happiness that awaits us in heaven.
Because Jesus is our Savior, we know that God is not punishing us for our sins. He punished His Son on the cross. God now offers and gives us the power to cope with all our sufferings. Our goal is heaven. What a wonderful home awaits us! This is great encouragement for all of us. The best is yet to come!
PRAYER: Lord God, heavenly Father, may my life always reflect Paul's words, "For me to live is Christ and to die is gain." Amen.
(Taken from "Words of Promise," copyright 1996 (out of print), Concordia Publishing House. For information on other devotional materials, call 1-800-325-3040.)
Today's Bible Readings: Isaiah 45-46 Romans 8:22-39
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