Your momentary struggles on earth pale in comparison to the eternal joy God is preparing, so learn to suffer gladly, trusting His perfect plan.
Hi, I’m Joni Eareckson Tada. And 2 Corinthians 4 says that our light and momentary affliction is accruing for us an eternal gain that far outweighs the inconvenience of earth’s hardships. Compared to heaven, our worst earthly pains will seem like a mere nuisance. When we stand amazed at the mountain of joy and pleasures which our response to suffering will have won us. In heaven we will smack our foreheads, lamenting, “Why, oh, why did I not trust God more?!” You know, centuries ago, St. Sebastian wisely observed, “When it is all over you will not regret having suffered; rather you will regret having suffered so little and suffered that little so badly.” I know, it seems impossible to grasp – when you are feeling demoralized by deep trials, but friend listening, with God, all things are possible. So today, I am praying that you and I do not suffer badly; but that we suffer gladly.
© Joni and Friends