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  Luke 23:1-25; Genesis 41; Psalm 32

It is fascinating how the childhood environment and, more specifically, the relationship with one’s close family members, can have a long-lasting impact on character development. A book called ‘Cradles of Eminence’ written by the couple Victor and Mildred Goertzel, is a unique study on this fascinating topic. Initially published in 1964, the book contains interesting insights about childhood development, based on the authors’ review of thousands of books and biographies on 400 famous individuals in the US and abroad. In later editions the sample was extended to include more than 700 eminent people.

Victor and Mildred Goertzel spent years attempting to understand what produced such greatness, what common thread might run through all of these outstanding people’s lives. Surprisingly, the most outstanding fact was that virtually all of them, had to overcome very difficult obstacles in order to become who they were.

Indeed the path to greatness is a path often fraught with challenges. And it is only through overcoming those challenges that one truly becomes a winner and achiever 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. 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  Christ Jesus. No matter the trial, we keep looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith.

2 Corinthians 4:17 says ‘For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory’.

When you’re in a   challenging situation, very often this is for greater glory to be revealed in you. Regardless of your current circumstances, keep following God faithfully. As you do, God will begin to turn things around for your good and His glory. That difficult  situation will bring such glory into your life that the enemy would wish he never brought that situation your way.

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. That is why you must keep living right and doing right because your labour shall never be in vain.

Jesus said ‘In the world you will have challenges; but be of good cheer for I have overcome the world.’ Indeed Jesus has overcome for you. Whatever may come your way, you will always come out on top because the greater One lives in you. Christ in you is the hope of glory. Therefore in every situation, keep giving praise to God, because   greater glory is coming your way in Jesus Name.

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, Your Glory is being revealed through me, in  Jesus Name.

QUOTE

When God is on your side anything is possible. WORDBITE  201