Romans 8:18
Romans 8:18
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.
This verse is a well-loved and often-cited example of Paul's viewpoint. As he previously stated, all who are in Christ are heirs of God's kingdom together with Christ. It is for this reason that those who are in Christ will share in His sufferings before sharing in His glory. Paul believes that our present sufferings are insignificant in light of the glory that will be revealed to us in the future. Contrasts are the theme of this verse. We see suffering in contrast with great glory, sadness in contrast with lasting joy, despair in contrast with the glorious hope of the future, and death forever engulfed in the abundance of everlasting life. In this world, suffering helps us to keep our eyes off the things of this world. We tend to lean heavily on the Lord during times of suffering, to pray to Him and to make petitions to Him, to stay close to His protection. In light of eternity, sufferings are reduced to a mere blip of insignificance. In comparison to our reality in Christ and our eternal heavenly future, they are unworthy even to be mentioned in the same breath as the gospel's truth and glory.
Psalms 55:22
Cast thy burden upon the LORD, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.
Proverbs 24:10
If thou faint in the day of adversity, thy strength is small.
1 Peter 5:10
But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.
Psalms 66:10
For thou, O God, hast proved us: thou hast tried us, as silver is tried.