Psalm 42: 1-2,5
July 24, 2024
TODAY’S GOSPEL READING – 24 JULY
July 24, 2024
THE 24th OF JULY
OUR PRESENT SUFFERINGS ARE INSIGNIFICANT WHEN COMPARED TO THE GLORY AWAITING US IN HEAVEN
“I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us… Not only that, but we also who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body. For we were saved in this hope…” – Romans 8:18, 23-24a
In 2 Corinthians 11:23-33, we read about the immense hardships that the apostle Paul endured. Learning about these sufferings makes it even more astounding that he considered them unworthy of comparison to the glory that God has prepared for us in eternity. In 2 Corinthians 4:17a, Paul wrote: “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment…”
We also know that God took Paul to heaven (2 Corinthians 12), and combined with his profound experiences with God and his unwavering desire to serve the Lord at any cost, this gave him the strength to persevere on the narrow path until the end of his life. Paul’s example can encourage us. When we compare our hardships to what Paul endured, most of ours seem minor in comparison. None of us can even begin to compare our sufferings to what Jesus went through, and He never sinned. While fulfilling God’s plan for his life, Paul looked forward to the redemption of his body, and we should do the same. Jesus wants us to be with Him in heaven forever.
SUGGESTED PRAYER
Father God, what an amazing, glorious place You have prepared for me as my eternal home. Help me always remember that no matter what I go through on earth, it cannot compare to what You went through to pay for my sins, so that I may be with You forever in perfect and wonderful heaven. Even though I have the Holy Spirit living in me now, it is just a glimpse of the glory You have prepared for me in heaven. I eagerly await the time when I will have a glorified, perfect body that will never sin, get sick, or grow old. Thank You with all my heart for all that I am and have in You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen
