From Suffering To Glory

 “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” – Romans 8:18

Paul isn’t minimizing pain—he’s magnifying perspective. He’s not saying suffering doesn’t hurt; he’s saying it doesn’t last. And more than that, he’s saying it’s working for us. In 2 Corinthians 4:17, he calls it “our light affliction, which is but for a moment,” and says it’s “working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” That means every trial, every tear, every hardship is not wasted—it’s preparing us for something greater. Paul, who endured beatings, shipwrecks, hunger, and imprisonment, called all of that “light” because he had his eyes fixed on the glory to come.

Many of us live like we’re stuck in a spiritual spin cycle—just waiting for the next wave of suffering to hit. We brace ourselves, grit our teeth, and say, “Well, this must mean I’m doing something right.” But Paul didn’t live like that. He didn’t see suffering as a badge of honor or a burden to bear—he saw it as a bridge to glory. He knew that suffering with Christ meant being glorified with Christ. And that glory isn’t just about getting into heaven—it’s about the capacity to receive and reflect the glory of Jesus. Everyone in heaven will be full of joy, but the life we live here will shape how much of His glory we’re able to carry there. That’s why what we do here matters. It’s not about earning salvation—it’s about preparing our hearts to hold more of Him.

Live with the end in mind. Don’t just endure suffering—let it shape you. Let it stretch your soul to hold more of Christ’s glory. The Holy Spirit is already at work in you, confirming that you are a child of God, an heir with Christ. And if you are His, then you will suffer with Him—but you will also be glorified with Him. Let that truth fuel your faith today. Let it give you courage to live boldly, to serve joyfully, and to suffer with hope. Because the glory that’s coming far outweighs anything you’re facing now.

“Christian, believe this, and think on it: thou shalt be eternally embraced in the arms of that love which was from everlasting, and, will extend to everlasting; of that love which brought the Son of God’s love from heaven to earth, from earth to the cross, from the cross to the grave, from the grave to glory; that love which was weary, hungry, tempted, scorned, scourged, buffeted, spit upon, crucified, pierced; which did fast, pray, teach, heal, weep, sweat, bleed, die; that love will eternally embrace thee. When perfect created love and most perfect uncreated love meet together, it will not be like Joseph and his brethren, who lay upon one another’s necks weeping; it will be loving and rejoicing, not loving and sorrowing. Yes, it will make Satan’s court ring with the news that Joseph’s brethren are come, that saints are arrived safe at the bosom of Christ, out of the reach of hell forever.” – Richard Baxter