Suffer Small Now
Updated: Feb 6
For those who have identified themselves as Christians, those who are genuinely walking closely with God, there’s a need to be reminded that the suffering of our souls in this dispensation is nothing compared to the blessings in the afterlife. Paul, the Apostle, said it best in Romans 8 verse 18: 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.
Why is it essential that we remember these truths? It is crucial because many teachers tell people that a relationship with Christ equates to a life without suffering; this is wrong. It is also crucial that we know this to strengthen ourselves in times of tribulation. Here are two thoughts on the said topic:
Ambassadors for Christ – Likely, the first point to note is that Christians are not of this world; we are merely ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Moreover, an ambassador represents the kingdom they come from; therefore, knowing that the Prince of our Kingdom suffered here on earth, where the evil one was cast down to (Revelations 12:7-17), we His subjects will face a similar faith.
Jealousy from Satan – Satan was cast out because he wanted to be like God (Isaiah 4:12-15). We are reminded in 1 Peter 5:8 that the evil one is going about looking for a prey. Why do we think that is? Psalm 8:4-6 helps us with this, stating, “what is man that You are mindful of him, or the son of man that You care for him? You made him a little lower than the angels; You crowned him with glory and honor. You made him ruler of the works of Your hands; You have placed everything under his feet.” When you add this verse in conjunction with Genesis 1:26 (which says, “Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”) you can see quickly why Satan, a created being who was not made in God’s likeness, could be jealous.
Having said that, let us stay strong and hold fast. Here are also some truths to hold on to when you feel challenged at the moment:
Matthew 28:20 reminds us that He is with us always.
We are also reminded that the battle is The Lords’ not ours in 2 Chronicles 20:15.
David also reminded us in Psalm 29:11 that The Lord gives strength to his people, and that He blesses his people with peace.
Paul does us a solid too with these words “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you” from Romans 16:20; being reminded that the peace of our God gives understanding, for the peace of this world is temporary.
Be reminded, above all, that we win in the end. Though we suffer here now, our victory is eternal; it is forever. Side note, dominion is ours, and we will progress here on earth, having more and more resources to fulfill God’s assignments of us, but we must know that with new levels come new devils. Another way to say it is this, more money, more problems (Pastor Mase). Someone once said, “poverty is hard, and wealth is hard; choose your hard;” the morale of the story is that though we progress, there will be challenges, for the devil wants us on his side of eternity.
Best wishes,
L.B.