First the suffering, then the glory

First the suffering, then the glory

"Searching what, or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ which was in them did signify, when it testified beforehand the sufferings of Christ, and the glory that should follow." (1Pet.1.11)

First the suffering, then comes the glory. It has been said no pain, no gain but unless the pain is in the right place and for the right time and right reason, one would suffer in vain. When the pain you suffer is attached to purpose, then you can be sure to gain. 

There is such suffering or pain that is for the wrong reason. Peter calls it suffering for your faults, but he says if you suffer for doing well, this is acceptable with God, in other words, it is a down payment for glory. 

"For what glory is it, if, when ye be buffeted for your faults, ye shall take it patiently? but if, when ye do well, and suffer for it, ye take it patiently, this is acceptable with God." (1Pet.2.20)

I remember being slapped for preaching the gospel. The Apostle Paul was beaten repeatedly and so were many others. The consolation is this, after this pain comes the glory. 

Another way we can look at this suffering is when you have to endure, or what Paul referred to as "abase" for the sake of the gospel. All of these are but for a short while. The reward is much greater. After the suffering comes the glory. 

"For our present troubles are quite small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us an immeasurably great glory that will last forever! (2Cor.4.17 NLT)

Good day,
Have a great day today, 
EmmA (aka Mr. Lift) 
@Liftemma

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