In 2 Corinthians 4:17, I say that your suffering produces a heavenly glory that is exceedingly, abundantly beyond any trouble you face in the present. In heaven I reward you with infinitely more than anything you have lost on this earth. Your suffering here is like ripping off a band-aid — a very short moment in the face of eternity, even though it feels like forever. The true forever is filled with happiness, pleasure, and fulfillment. There are no more tears in heaven, no more pain, no separation from loved ones, no grief. That is what lasts forever.
And notice this: your suffering produces — achieves — heavenly treasure, all those good things I just mentioned and more. It achieves exceedingly, abundantly more reward than the suffering you experience. The pain itself is working to produce heavenly rewards. You don’t have to have a good attitude, be grateful, or escape the trial. The suffering does the work all by itself.
So, fix your gaze on Me — the One who keeps every tear, the One who turns sorrow into treasure — and let this truth give you a small measure of encouragement in your trial.
And when eternity seems too far away, remember the verse that says, “I would have despaired unless I had believed that I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong and let your heart take courage. Yes, wait for the Lord.”
With love beyond measure,
Jesus
No comments:
Post a Comment