When we watch movies, we usually expect them to have positive endings. Even though there are many conflicts, difficulties, and twists throughout the movie, a lot of movies end in the “perfect, fairy tale ending.” The main characters often live “happily ever after.” All of us understand that these perfect endings do not reflect what real life is like at all. In life, we go through situations that are so hard, painful, and challenging. We look for perfect resolutions to the challenges of life only to realize that they oftentimes do not come. Maybe you can relate to how that feels: you keep looking for the “perfect, fairy tale ending” and “happily ever after” to the trial in your life, but the pain continues to press on with no end in sight.
Let me suggest to you that the Christian life is not an easy life (Matthew 5:11-12; 2 Timothy 3:12); however, regardless of how painful and extensive trials can be, the Christian life always has a positive ending. As Paul says in Romans 8:18, “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.”
Paul knew what suffering was like; if you want to know about some of the experiences he had with suffering, read 2 Corinthians 11:16-32. Throughout all of the suffering that the apostle Paul endured, one of the conclusions that he came to is recorded in this verse: suffering in this life is not worthy to be compared with the glory that we will be able to participate in and experience in the next life.
Key in on the word “glory.” Jesus Christ existed in a glorious state from before the world was created (John 17:5). When Jesus came to earth, the world witnessed His glory (John 1:14). Jesus Christ is the Lord of glory (1 Corinthians 2:8; James 2:1), was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father (Romans 6:4), and was given glory by God (1 Peter 1:21). One day, Jesus Christ is going to return in His glory (Matthew 25:31; Titus 2:13); following that occasion, He will sit down on His throne of glory (Matthew 25:31). When Jesus returns, those who belong to Him will be raised in glory (1 Corinthians 15:43) and appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4). Jesus will transform a Christian’s lowly body to be like His glorious body (Philippians 3:21). Heaven will be a place that is illuminated by the glory of God (Revelation 21:23). God calls and invites us through the gospel to share and participate in the glory of Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:14). If we suffer with Him, we will also be glorified with Him (Romans 8:17).
Consider the trials, difficulties, and hardships that you have gone through, are going through, and will go through. Then, if you are a Christian, consider the glory of Jesus Christ that you will experience fully in the life to come. The two are not even comparable! Experiencing and participating in the glory of Jesus Christ throughout all of eternity far surpasses any momentary trial that you can experience on earth. This does not minimize the pain that you are feeling. This actually maximizes how amazing it will be to participate in the glory of Christ. As the old hymn goes, “Heaven will surely be worth it all!”
Here is a challenge for you: “Set your mind on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:2). Live your life with a spiritual mindset and perspective. When you do that, you will be able to live with the same conclusion, persuasion, and confidence of the apostle Paul: “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.” If that is not a perfect ending to your story, I do not know what is.
-Tyler Alverson
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