Sufferings
By Peggy Kleckner
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
By Peggy Kleckner
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
Romans 8:18 (NIV)
God’s Word tells us that we are being formed into the
image of Christ from glory to glory (2 Corinthians 3:18 KJV). In other words,
we are being formed one small step at a time. In our verse today, Paul reminds
us that the glory is revealed through our sufferings. If we are not tested, how
can who we truly are be revealed?
I didn’t like reading Paul’s words on a recent morning. I was in the midst of a trial, which certainly felt like suffering. So the word “sufferings” jumped out at me. Once I completed the sentence, my spirit was calmed. Suffering is not God’s point, the glory that will be revealed is His point. I will wait patiently through my sufferings and set my focus on being watchful for the glory to be revealed. Christ in me is being revealed from glory to glory, but the process includes suffering…most truly good things do.
Childbirth includes suffering. An education includes the suffering of hard work. Olympic medals include suffering through difficult training and discipline. Somehow we have gotten the idea that we should just instantly be more like Jesus once we have accepted His gift of salvation. In reality, it is a process with many small steps, which will include suffering through trials.
Keep watching, the transformation is occurring. We don’t sit next to a tulip and expect to see the growth happening, but we do notice when it continues its natural process and blooms. The natural process of a growing Christian will include growth and blooming, too.
Watch for the glory to be revealed!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you focusing on…your suffering, or the glory that will be revealed through it?
2. Will you choose to trust Him in the midst of your suffering?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I didn’t like reading Paul’s words on a recent morning. I was in the midst of a trial, which certainly felt like suffering. So the word “sufferings” jumped out at me. Once I completed the sentence, my spirit was calmed. Suffering is not God’s point, the glory that will be revealed is His point. I will wait patiently through my sufferings and set my focus on being watchful for the glory to be revealed. Christ in me is being revealed from glory to glory, but the process includes suffering…most truly good things do.
Childbirth includes suffering. An education includes the suffering of hard work. Olympic medals include suffering through difficult training and discipline. Somehow we have gotten the idea that we should just instantly be more like Jesus once we have accepted His gift of salvation. In reality, it is a process with many small steps, which will include suffering through trials.
Keep watching, the transformation is occurring. We don’t sit next to a tulip and expect to see the growth happening, but we do notice when it continues its natural process and blooms. The natural process of a growing Christian will include growth and blooming, too.
Watch for the glory to be revealed!
GOING DEEPER:
1. What are you focusing on…your suffering, or the glory that will be revealed through it?
2. Will you choose to trust Him in the midst of your suffering?
FURTHER READING:
Romans 5:3-5; Proverbs 3:5-6; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
Peggy is a wife and mother of four
adult children - - two sons and two stepsons, and is an active encourager at
Oakwood Church in Delafield.
