Romans 8:17-18 “…and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.”

Even though we cannot possibly fathom the depths of the riches of the kingdom of heaven while we are here on earth, we can tell a few things. We know that Jesus went to the cross, his suffering, torture and agony, with joy because he could see what was coming on the other side of it. We are told in the book of Romans that we are to be fellow or ‘joint heirs’ with Christ in his glory! First, however, we are going to have to suffer with him (and sometimes for him) in order that we might be glorified when our time comes to be with him. Paul figured whatever he had to suffer (and this included beatings, imprisonment, mocking, stoning, shipwrecks etc.) didn’t even come close to the wonders that would be his (and ours - revealed in us) if he stood faithful. Can you relate to Christ’s sufferings? Have you suffered humiliation? Have you been betrayed, abandoned, or discouraged? For as you are suffering with him, so too will you be glorified and lifted up with him! There may be pain in the night, but your joy will come in the morning!

Prayer: “Lord Jesus, nothing I might be asked to go through can possibly compare to what you went through for me…and yet, you are still willing to share all that you have been given simply for my willingness to share in hardships in this life. Lord, use me as you will, let come what may, because whatever you have in store for me will no doubt far exceed the small price I have to pay now – in your mighty name I thank you…Amen.”