Romans 8:18 ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’

DAILY READING Mark 13:1-13; 1 Kings 6; Hosea 8

Charles Spurgeon was a 19th century Pastor known for his extraordinary preaching style. He was celebrated in his day as the ‘Prince of Preachers’.
Spurgeon was pastor of the congregation of Metropolitan Tabernacle in London for 38 years. The Tabernacle would seat over 5,000 people as many thronged to hear him.
His oratory skills are said to have held his listeners spellbound. Many Christians held his writings in exceptionally high regard and his sermons were published immediately after he gave them. His sermons are still widely circulated today.
His reputation as a famed and powerful preacher, his cheery wit, and his confidence might have led people to imagine there could never have been a chink in his armor.
However, the truth is that Charles Spurgeon passed through very tough and great challenges in his life and ministry. He suffered debilitating gout, poisonous slander and criticisms, recurring depression etc.
Spurgeon’s life saw many difficult moments.
During his early years in London, Spurgeon received intense slander and scorn from the media.
Yet, his friends and even casual acquaintances would often remark on his hearty laughter. His humor also found expression in his sermons and writings.
We only know today about his sufferings owing to his frequent and candid descriptions of them.
Yet, he never allowed any of these challenges to hinder him or stop him from fulfilling his God-given destiny.

Studies have shown that one outstanding fact about everyone who ever becomes great is that they all had to overcome very difficult obstacles in life.
As we go through the scriptures, we find also that most of those greatly used by God, were those who first passed through fire.
Joseph went through slavery and imprisonment before mounting the throne of Egypt. For David, most of his Psalms were written in very difficult times.
Apostle Paul, wrote most of the Epistles from prisons. In 2 Corinthians 1:8, he wrote about the trials he and his fellow believers had experienced; trials so great that they “despaired even of life”.
Even today, most of the present day great men and women have had to pass through various physical and spiritual oppositions to bring the Gospel to people.

God does not tempt anyone, nor bring these trials, but when the enemy does, God uses them as trainers for our spiritual muscles. Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through trials and challenges, can the soul be strengthened, faith inspired, and success achieved.

The believer’s life is an overcomer’s life. It is a life of continually triumphing over challenges and moving from victory to victory. And our victory comes through the faith imparted to our heart by God’s Word.

This is why in times of trials, we do not focus on the negative things, rather we focus on God’s Word. No matter the trial, we keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.
When you’re in a challenging situation, very often this is for greater glory to be revealed in you.

Romans 8:18 says ‘For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us’

In other words your sufferings will not be in vain. It will culminate in greater Glory in the end. The difficulties you are passing through are only preparing you for something better. This is why you must hold on to God’s Word, no matter how fierce the battle.
Certainly, through faith, you will always overcome because faith is the victory that overcomes the world.
Indeed in the end, God will so glorify Himself through that situation, and bring such glory into your life that the enemy would wish he never brought that problem your way.
Therefore in any difficulty you may encounter this year, keep giving God praise. As you praise Him, He will certainly raise you out of every pit and turn you into a wonder to your world.

PRAYER: Lord, please help me to always remain strong in faith, no matter how difficult things may sometimes look around me. I thank You because in every situation, You are giving me total victory in Jesus Name.

QUOTE :
Illuminate your world for you are a star destined to shine. WORDBITE 222.