“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 (ESV)
Throughout the years, I have seen that there are rewards after a time of testing. A spiritual promotion, even a financial increase. Sometimes it’s an increase of authority, or of extended boundaries. Often new spiritual gifts emerge. For those faithful through the trial, through the fire, through the storm, expect God’s increase!
The Apostle Paul invites us to share in Christ’s suffering so that we can share in His glory. In fact, no matter how bad it could get, it cannot compare to the glory that will be revealed to us, and some translations say “in us.” Elsewhere Paul wrote about knowing Christ, His resurrection power, and sharing in His suffering, and ultimately be raised back to life himself (Philippians 3:10-11).
Paul also tells us to rejoice in our suffering knowing that it produces perseverance, that produces character, which produces hope, which does not disappoint us because it is there God pours out His love (Romans 5:3-5).
James says to consider our trials through the lens of great joy, because these trials produce perseverance and perseverance leads to maturity (James 1:2-3).
Peter commends us to hold up in times of fiery trials, for when it’s over God will reestablish us! It says He Himself will restore us and make us strong and steadfast (1 Peter 5:10).
And we are urged to diligently seek Him in faith, and when we do, He will reward us (Hebrews 11:6)! If definitely requires faith to stand and pursue Him in days of trouble and trial. And when we do, He rewards us!
God rewards faithfulness. When we steward what He entrusts us with, He rewards us, either with more as in the case of talents, or some other things in the case of trials and hardship.
Ultimately, we share in His glory when we’re willing to share in His suffering! He will reveal His glory to us and in us!
Btw, there are things we collect in this life that can only be gathered in the fire and pressures of hardship and trials. It is how we respond in the midst of it that matters. Some of the objects used in the Old Testament worship were only found deep in the desert, and after piercing or crushing, such as frankincense and myrrh. May you collect these items of worship during this life so that you can cast them at His feet on the slopes of eternity!
Right now, thank the Lord for whatever is going on in your life. Tell Him that you trust Him and ask Him for a grace for even greater joy in the midst of trials. Pray for those you know who are struggling at the moment.
