2 Corinthians 4:17
For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, 18 as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.
These three things go perfectly well together for the follower of Christ. There is suffering even for the godliest of Christians. In fact, those who lead godly lives in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. But the goodness of God remains. There is no evil in God. The sufferings in the world are caused by the selfish and evil actions or failures of humans, not by any failure on God’s part. But all the sufferings of the followers of God will end, and a glorious promotion and receiving of rewards from God will take place.
Don’t be afraid of suffering. Don’t demand for an easy life. The Lord Jesus himself said that we will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). This world is not our home. This is not our destination, but merely a training ground and testing environment. Don’t look for your best life now here. Instead, let God perfect you here so you go into the next life, which is your real life, truly rich because you are heavily invested in heaven. Lose your life for Christ now, and you will find it in him.
There is great glory that is coming for the faithful followers of Jesus. This glory is full and never-ending in comparison to the light and temporary sufferings we go through on this earth for the sake of Christ. And as one of the great heroes of the faith once said, we should endure hardship as a good soldier of Christ Jesus (2 Timothy 2:3). And, of course, the Lord Jesus encouraged us to rejoice and be glad when we suffer for Christ because our reward in heaven is great (Matthew 5:11-12).
So we gladly receive persecution for our faith in Christ knowing they are not strange, but are to be expected (1 Peter 4:12, 19). God remains to be good. And he will give rest, comfort, and rewards to those who overcame on the earth. Those who ran away from persecution and compromised their faith will suffer loss. Those who were distracted by the worries of this world or the desires for riches will find themselves regretting their choices. But those who fought life’s hard battles and won by faith will share in the joy of the Master, Jesus Christ (Matthew 25:21). May the Lord richly bless you and your family today and always. Lathur Badoy