A Spectacle Of Glory #342

Read: 2 Corinthians 4:17

Today’s Scripture tells us, “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.” Don’t you love that word achieving? Not only is your affliction momentary or temporary, not only are all your troubles “light” in comparison with eternity and the glory there, but all of it is totally meaningful. Your suffering is achieving something for you. Never forget this!

Every millisecond of your pain, every nanosecond of your misery in the path of obedience, is producing a unique glory that suits you—and you only. Think of the many times you’ve been bullied, slandered, or sorely abused. Think of your battles against illness or jaw-bending pain. None of it is random. None of it is meaningless. All of it is achieving, producing, and winning for you an eternal glory that far outweighs it all. So stay faithful, and take courage. The glory is coming. It is almost here.

Lord, how could I bear it if I thought for one moment that suffering is just random, with no meaning, effects, or results? How kind, how gracious, You are to give my disappointments and hardships a context, for framing them with eternal, significant meaning. How I praise You for 2 Corinthians 4:17! I cling to its truth today with all my heart.