"[But what of that?] For I consider that the sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!." (Romans 8:18-- Amplified Bible)
The, "what of that," refers to the previous verse which says, "only we must share His suffering if we are to share His glory." Okay, suffering precedes glory. Then, if you look at the verse after our text, you will see that "the glory" has something to do with "the revealing of the sons of God," which, by the way, has not yet been fulfilled. And right in the middle- "The sufferings of this present time (this present life) are not worth being compared with the glory which is to come."
There is no doubt that throughout the entire "God-Breathed" Word the message is, "The best is yet to come." The fact that most religious people do not want a message like this reveals just how carnal they really are. Paul said, "And if we have hope in Christ only for this life, we are the most miserable people in the world" (NLT). Could this be why there are so many "miserable" Christians? Take heed. Those who are looking "in this life only" for the glory in Jesus Christ may not endure "the sufferings," and finally say, "It's just not worth it."
The Word of God is not saying that there is no joy, peace, or victory now. Jesus is simply saying that when the storms come, when the suffering seems unbearable, when everyone abandons you, take courage. "What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will give us later."(NLT)
Father, in Jesus' Name, if it pleases You, give me a glimpse of "the glory that is about to be revealed to us and in us and for us and conferred on us!" Amen.
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