“Now if we are children, then we are heirs — heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:17-18, NIV)
The way of Christ is the way of the cross.
The way of the cross is the way of suffering, as defined as “sustaining injury, disadvantage, loss, or any unpleasantness.”
As disciples of Jesus, it is our lot to suffer; not for the sake of suffering, but in order to identify with Christ as He identifies with the persons that God created, and for whom He (Christ) died.
Remember this as an encouragement to suffer — with grace — all physical and emotional injuries; to suffer — with hope — each loss; to suffer — with patience — the unpleasantness of others; to suffer — with peace — the appearance of disadvantage.
Paul reminds us that every and each of our present sufferings — whatever they may be — pale in comparison to the glory that will be revealed in us when we see God, face-to-face.
For each hurt, there is healing. For each loss, there is a greater gain; for every humiliation, a revelation of unassailable greatness. – Luther
