S U F F E R I N G

II Corinthians 4:17

Have you ever wondered in your mind, "What's the use, we're not doing very well, why put up with the suffering of losing?"  Maybe you're struggling through an injury that nags your every step and you're wondering when this begins to pay dividends.  The Scripture has some comforting and encouraging words for those days.

In Paul's second letter to the Corinthians in chapter 4 and verse 17 it says, “For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison.”  Sometimes in competition we encounter what seems like far more than "momentary, light affliction."  When illness or injury comes your way, you can choose how we react to it.

It's true that injuries can make us lose heart, become depressed and lose sight of our goals, but it doesn't have to be that way.  The writer of this verse was severely injured many times, but he knew how to make these things work in his favor.

Let the momentary, light affliction of your life turn your attention to your goals and to trusting in God's ability to complete them in you.  Be assured that these hard times prepare us for days of greatness in the future.

The Lord is working in us to make "an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison."  He uses these hard times to prepare us for receiving the glorious times with grace and humility.

Pray to see the Lord's purposes accomplished in your life and in the lives of your teammates.  Trust Him to use affliction and adversity to make glorious times and quality character for us all.

Bible Reading Plan:
Matthew 24:1-14
Romans 7:1-12