Speaker: Bonnie Sala | Series: Reset | For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever. 2 Corinthians 4:18

 

The Bible teaches us that our pain is not a waste. It’s not only not a waste, but it will result in something wonderful. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all,” the Bible says (2 Corinthians 4:17).  Now, our troubles do not always feel light or momentary, but when we understand eternal glory, they certainly seem more manageable. The reward, eternal glory, is being in the presence of God forever. Our suffering on Earth brings us daily closer to that glory. “Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day” says (2 Corinthians 4:16).

This is a hope unique to Christianity; it is a view of suffering unlike that in any other religion. Tim Keller points out, “Christianity teaches that, contra fatalism, suffering is overwhelming; contra Buddhism, suffering is real; contra karma, suffering is often unfair; but contra secularism, suffering is meaningful. There is a purpose to it, and if faced rightly, it can drive us like a nail deep into the love of God and into more stability and spiritual power than you can imagine.” [1]

The Christian possesses an inner life (“inwardly we are renewed”) that is lived under the influence of the Holy Spirit. He equips us to endure troubles with our eyes fixed on eternity with God. If your pain today feels neither light nor momentary, know that it will not be without reward.

Reference Reading:  2 Corinthians 4:1-18

 

[1] “20 Quotes from Walking with God through Pain and Suffering.” Desiring God, April 16, 2020. https://www.desiringgod.org/articles/20-quotes-from-walking-with-god-through-pain-and-suffering.