“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” — Romans 8:18.
CHRISTIANS are not exempt from suffering. When one trusts in Christ, it does not mean that he is at once freed from all the consequences of sin. So far as divine judgment is concerned, he is forever delivered from that (John 3:18, R. V.). But he is still in the body from which the Adamic curse has not yet been lifted. Consequently he suffers with the groaning creation, of which that body is still a part. Then, in addition to this, he now finds that the world to which he once belonged, has become a scene of hostility because of the place he has taken in association with a rejected Christ. All this involves suffering, but with every trial and affliction there will come needed grace to endure, as seeing Him who is invisible (Heb. 11:27).
“Look to Him who once was willing
All His glory to resign.
That, for thee the law fulfilling,
All His merit might be thine.,
Strive to follow day by day
Where His footsteps mark the way.
Look to Him and faith shall brighten,
Hope shall soar, and love shall burn;
Peace once more thy heart shall lighten—
Rise! He calleth thee! Return!
Be not weary on thy way,
Jesus is thy strength and stay.”
—Frances Ridley Havergal.