Unlimited: Glory in Suffering
Aug 25, 2022 834
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings (Romans 5:3a)
The Greek word translated as “glory” here can also be translated as “rejoice” (ESV.) This goes against our human nature, yet it is an important theme in the teachings of Paul. When we have been justified through faith, we will rejoice in our sufferings.
Notice that those who follow Jesus don’t glory in their health, wealth, and prosperity. That’s what the Jews did.
Paul tells us that the Lord said to him,
“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong (2 Cor 12:9–10.)
We choose to glory and to rejoice in our suffering as an affirmation of our trust in God, knowing that through it, he calls us closer to himself.
Suffering does not end for a child of God, this side of eternity. However, Paul is telling us that the nature of suffering changes. Now, suffering matters, it is not meaningless, although you may not understand it’s purpose. Suffering counts for something as we journey through life to God’s great destiny for us.
We choose to glory and to rejoice in our suffering as an affirmation of our trust in God, knowing that through it, he calls us closer to himself.
Spiritual Application
What does it take to rejoice in our sufferings as a child of God? To what extent can you identify with this thought? Why? Why not?
Leave a Reply