Spirit and Life Devotional is a daily publication by Pastor Chinaemerem Ibezim, senior pastor of Able Ministers Chapel, a church based in Calabar, Cross River State.
[pull_quote_center]”Searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was indicating when He testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow.” I Peter 1:11[/pull_quote_center]
If you’re not willing to suffer, it means that you are not willing to enjoy the glory that comes after the suffering: you must be willing to pay the price for the glorious future that you desire.
Jesus endured the suffering of the cross knowing that He would be greatly rewarded by the Father; and Paul fought the good fight in anticipation of the crown of righteousness which the Lord would later give to him on that Day. Many people want glory without stress; it doesn’t always work that way.
Be willing to pay the price for success: the glorious and wonderful life that you desire wouldn’t come without sacrifice. Don’t give up because of the unpleasant and uncomfortable experiences, it’s necessary and sometimes unavoidable; it’s the pathway to the fulfillment. The sufferings are only for a moment: Paul said, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” II Corinthians 4:17.
Cheer up. Let your strength be renewed. Fight the fight. Endure. Tough times never last. Very soon the glory will come. Amen.
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