“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” (IICorinthians 4:17)
In heaven’s economy, the trade for glory is hardship. Why? Do we earn that which has been freely given to us through the blood of Jesus? Emphatically no! But we do posture ourselves to receive and to steward the blessings He died to give us. Suffering deals with the selfishness and ego within us, and with the agendas we are not even aware of, refining us so that we can be trusted with His glory and with great authority. For this reason, miracles, healings, signs and wonders are often commonplace in countries where there is intense persecution or suffering.
The western church knows little of suffering and many people, when confronted with even the smallest inconvenience or offense, become discouraged and quit… often right before stepping into the next place of glory or destiny the Father has for them.
The early church fathers understood this trade, which enabled them to not only endure but to rejoice in hardship.
I Peter 4:13, “But rejoice insofar as you share Christ’s sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.”
Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”
So, if you have been experiencing resistance, hardship or suffering, rejoice! Call upon the justice system of God to release His glory into your life and situation. And if you have been struggling with resistance to your destiny, or contemplating quitting because of inconvenience, difficulty or offense, renew your resolve to remain steadfast and faithful until God promotes you. And remember, that God has promised to work all things for your good, no matter what it is. He is generous and kind beyond our understanding and you can never out-give Him. He will always reward any sacrifice given from a pure heart of love for Him!