I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. — Romans 8:18
In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. — 1 Peter 1:6
There are two kinds of grace for the Christian: present and future grace.
Future grace allows us to acknowledge the pain of the present without getting lost in it. Yes, the boss may yell, the spouse may be difficult to live with, injury may be present, suffering may occur, but, for the believer, none of these things last forever. They are tiny specks on the radar screen of eternity.
But present grace returns us to peace and joy even when we suffer. We lose a job and, yes, there is concern about how to best provide for our families, but there is also peace. We lose a loved one, and, yes, there is grief over the loss, but there is also unexplainable joy in the Lord. Present grace is described by Richard Wurmbrand in his book Tortured for Christ: "In our darkest hours of torture the Son of man came to us, making the prison walls shine like diamonds and filling the cells with light. Somewhere, far away, were the torturers below us in the sphere of the body. But the spirit rejoiced in the Lord. We would not have given up this joy for that of kingly palaces."
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.