Looking beyond today’s challenges!

By Pastor Dr. Aggrey Soyekwo

Romans 8:18 "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." - NIV

Apostle Paul, in his zeal and unwavering commitment to serve the God he once persecuted, suffered greatly for the gospel. He describes his challenges in 2 Corinthians 11:23-33. Severe as these sufferings were, Paul looked beyond them, into a glory that awaits the faithful in Christ who endure them. Jesus too, looked beyond the present pain into the joy that lay ahead of Him. And He endured the cross, despising its shame.

This is one main factor for perseverance. Without a clear vision of what lies ahead, what benefits there are, together with a clear conviction of what one stands for, it is easy to give up. Many have done so. The easy way of the world tempted them to abandon the faith in suffering, exchanging the eternal blessing for temporary ease.

There will be a grand reception into the heavenly glory by the Master. There are rewards for overcomers in the good fight and winners in the race marked out for us. There are crowns awaiting faithful servants, who through thick and thin, stood for God. There are mansions prepared by the Lord Himself. There is a joy and peace that will never end for those who went out sowing in tears, rejected. It will be like no other, forever! Hold the faith to the end, precious one of God! The glory ahead far outweighs the present sufferings!

2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."

Shalom children of God