Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory.18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Rom. 8:17-18
Statistics are coming out that over 7000 Christians have been killed by fundamental Muslims in Nigeria the first 8 months of this year. Charlie Kirk was recently killed for his Christian views on morality. Paul says in these verses in Romans that as children of God, we are heirs. We like to think of all the good things we will get as heirs. When my Dad died, I got some silver and gold that he had saved up worth $8000 and his fishing tackle box which I use to this day. I also got a broken riding mower, 2 broken chain saws, a 22 rifle (I don't hunt), and a stamp collection. Have you ever tried to cash out a stamp collection? No one wants them! It's a thing of the past.
What Paul is saying is that along with the good things we get as heirs, we are going to get bad things, too. The world will hate us because it hated him. We inherit the opposition of Satan because he is opposed to Jesus. We are going to suffer because Jesus suffered and unfortunately that is part of our inheritance. But the good thing is that compared to what we are going to get when the suffering is over, it's well worth it.
When I was in medical school an offer came that anyone who wanted to donate bone marrow would get paid $50. That was an incredible amount of money to me back in 1977. What I didn't realize was the amount of pain I would endure for that $50. However, when it was all over and I was holding that check, it was well worth it. Compare that to the glory of Heaven waiting for us and my illustration pales in comparison. We are big Survivor fans, it is now season 49, and there is never a shortage of people who will endure bugs, snakes, sharks, starvation, dehydration, extreme heat and cold, typhoons, constipation and pooping in the ocean, no showers or hygiene for 30 days for the chance to win $1,000,000 (1 in 18) but more than likely more than their expected 15 seconds of fame. Temporary suffering is well worth it to them.
Medical missions are getting harder and harder for me at 70. The travel, the heat, the mental stress and physical stress of seeing 60-100 patients a day takes its toll. I look for reasons, frankly to not go. But then I'm reminded of the fruit that's borne and I rethink suffering.
Is temporary suffering something that you are willing to endure for the glory to be revealed? If not, you and I aren't focused on the prize, or we are seriously underestimating the value of that prize. It's going to be well worth it so don't shy away from suffering.
