Paper Cuts

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.

Romans 8:18

Imagine that your friend called you and complained, “My business card was drawn out of a fishbowl at the convention, and I’ve won an all-expense paid trip to Paris, but I suffered a paper cut when I opened the envelope announcing the prize. I’m very upset.”

You’d say, “Why be upset? A little paper cut isn’t worth considering, compared to the excitement of a trip to Paris.”

That’s the argument God makes in Romans 8:18. Granted, our trials and troubles in life are often more than paper cuts. But our coming trip to the new Jerusalem and the glories to follow are a lot greater than any trip to Paris. The apostle Paul, who wrote these words, had been shipwrecked, flogged, bound in stocks, beaten with rods, chained, stoned, and treated like a dog. Yet he said his sufferings weren’t worth comparing with coming glory.

Whatever we’re going through today, we can live in Romans 8:18. For our light and momentary affliction is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.

One second of glory will outweigh a lifetime of suffering.

ARTHUR W. PINK