Daily Devotional for Friday, September 25

The Rewards of Suffering

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal,” 2 Corinthians 4:17, 18.
America is renowned for awards. In this nation, there are rewards and accolades for everything, at least for those who give their best. There are rewards for sports, movies, music, authors and even animals. For example, Vince Lombardi Trophy for sports; Medal of Honor for the military; Gold Medal for the Olympics; Emmys for television; Grammys for movies; Pulitzer Prize for authors and the Triple Crown for horse racing. By no means is this an exhaustive list.
When you think of someone receiving an award, what comes to mind would be the great things they did to achieve such a status. Nevertheless, the most recognizable thing you can do in your service for Christ is to suffer for Him. This is difficult to comprehend because it does not come to mind that those who suffer would receive an award. Yes, many rewards will be given to those who did good work for Him (1 Corinthians 3:11-15). This is not salvation, but how you served God after salvation.
However, the greatest rewards will be given to those who suffered, meaning endured heartache, torment, pain or even death itself for the glory of the Lord. Read verse 17 again. All the things you go through for Christ on earth is considered a light affliction compared to the glory which shall be revealed in you. You know through his writings, some of the things Paul went through, yet, he considered his sufferings light. Can you say the same? Is your focus heavenward so you can endure?

Something to Think About
“He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son” (Revelation 21:7).
Karry Irizarry