In Romans 8:28, it says “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him…” All things include the good and the bad that happens to us. So how can the “bad” things become “good” for us or benefit us? In the previous section of Romans (Romans 8:18), Paul makes mention that any sufferings we are subjected to here on earth- sickness, pain, disappointments, being rejected, are not worth comparing to the glory we will experience that will “be revealed to us” in eternity. Paul in 2 Cor. 4:17, actually refers to these troubles as “light and momentary” and even goes on to say they are for our benefit! Our sufferings achieve for us an eternal glory that outweighs any troubles we may experience here on earth (v.17b). Paul further advises to not focus on these troubles but look past them and “fix our eyes” on what is unseen (v18a). He says that because he knows the unseen is more real then what is seen since the seen is temporary whereas the unseen is eternal (v18b). Even though we experience a limited amount of glory now, the full extent of God’s glory will not be revealed to we reach our eternal heavenly inheritance. Further more in 1 Peter 4:12, Peter says do not be surprised but actually rejoice (v.13) that we “participate” in the sufferings of Christ. He goes even further states that you will be blessed and the Spirit of God will rest on you if you are insulted because of the name of Christ. So remember, when you experience the “bad” things or times in life due to righteous persecution, “rejoice and be glad” because our reward will be great and will be waiting for us in Heaven (Matthew 5:12).
Tags: bad, Christ, glory, good, persecution, sickness, sufferings, troubles, unseen
June 7, 2010 at 11:40 am |
As I am going through now. And after losing everything I understand that to loose is to Gain but only if I keep God in the Mist of it all