2 Corinthians 4:17 For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. 18 So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.
Any pain and suffering that benefits us for eternity has to be worth it. Eternity lasts forever. This life is temporary. Likewise, any suffering we avoid in this life that works against our eternal welfare is not any real benefit to us. Jesus said, "What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?" (Matthew 16:26).
It appears to me that the Bible teaches that suffering in this life, whether believer or unbeliever, is redemptive. It is meant for our eternal good. For those who do not yet believe, it is meant to draw them to Christ where they will find eternal salvation through faith. For us who believe, it is meant to bring spiritual maturity, increasing holiness and perfecting trust, hope and faith. This world and its desires is passing away, but the kingdom of Christ lasts forever.
I tremble when I read Jesus' warning about the final judgement of the unsaved. It really scares me. A punishment that lasts forever and never ends. How frightening and horrible! It moves me to re-evaluate the sincerity of my Christ in faith. Do I really believe or am I just pretending to believe? Is my conversion real or counterfeit? Will I really escape the torments of hell? I find myself running once again to Christ and reaffirming my love, faith and hope in Him as my Savior. In the midst of my sufferings it reminds me with tears that some will have everlasting trouble in the life to come, more than can be imagined. It reminds me that this life's painful suffering will end for the saved. Because of Christ and what he has done for me, I will inherit eternal glory for His sake. I will enter an eternity forever free of pain, tears and sorrow and filled with everlasting joy. Just as we share in the sufferings of Christ, so we will share in His glory.
If through the pain, suffering and tragedy of life, a non-believer is finally convinced that this life is not worth rejecting Christ over, then what a marvelous good comes out of the bad. One soul becomes destined for paradise rather than punishment. It is said that there is joyful celebration in heaven amongst the angels over just one soul who repents.
O Lord, what can compare with the gift of escaping the final, eternal suffering! I pray that many, many who do not yet believe, will turn and find this gift. I pray that eyes would be truly opened to realize that no sinful pleasure or pride is worth hanging on to at the cost rejecting Christ and losing their soul. Lord, only you can truly take away the blindness and deceit that Satan has bound souls with. Out of your great loving kindness, do so now! In Christ Jesus, Amen.
2 comments:
John, this is so good and thought provoking, that I copied it and sent it to Judy, whose husband has been diagnosed with cancer and are going through such a difficult and challenging time.
Thanks for your wonderful spirit and great faith that is touching the lives of others and may there be those who come to know the Lord in a personal way, through your faithful witness.
You are truly a blessing and inspiration!!
Judy
What a deep hevenly perspective. Thanks for sharing this. It is an encouragment.
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