Romans 8:18 (NIV)
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth
comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Nowhere does the Bible teach that Christians are to be
exempt from the tribulations and natural disasters that come upon the
world. It does teach that the Christian can face tribulation, crisis, calamity,
and personal suffering with a supernatural power that is not available to the
person outside Christ. The early Christians were able to experience joy in
their hearts in the midst of trials, troubles, and depression. They counted
suffering for Christ not as a burden or misfortune, but as a great honor, as
evidence that Christ counted them worthy to witness to Him through suffering.
They never forgot what Christ Himself had gone through for their salvation; and
to suffer for His name’s sake was regarded as a gift rather than a cross.
Christians can rejoice in tribulation because they have eternity’s values in
view. When the pressures are on, they look beyond their present predicaments to
the glories of heaven. The thought of the future life with its prerogatives and
joys helps to make the trials of the present seem light and transient.
Thought for today:
Do I thank and praise God for it all good and bad?
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