Concentrate on the reward, not on the pain and discomfort

ByPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
May the peace from the Lord be multiplied unto you on this wonderful day!We will continue to talk about the potential advantages of the pain and sufferings that we experience in this life. Yesterday we came to realize that the revelation of the nature and essence of sufferings helps us to see all things in the right perspective. We established that sufferings and pain are inevitable in every person’s life. We also started to talk about the fact that God has provided solutions for His children, and has given us His Spirit Who helps us in our moments of weakness. Today I want us to see and remember that every problem – no matter what it is – is TEMPORARY.Revelation of the nature and essence of our problems
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory” (2 Corinthians, 4:17).
«For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us»(Romans, 8:18).
In order for us to seize the potential advantages that are hidden in pain and sufferings, we must learn the true nature and essence of sufferings. Firstly, our present pains are temporary compared to eternal torture that awaits every person who lives a life of compromise in pursuit of personal comfort. Secondly, our present pain is light compared to the glory of God that awaits every person who endures pains with dignity. By going through the temporary sufferings, we gain eternal glory and joy. Temporary sufferings multiply our eternal glory if endured with the right attitude.Such a revelation of the nature of pain and problems helps a person to concentrate on eternity and on the eternal reward instead of the fleeting feeling of pain of the moment. Jesus was able to endure constant pressure and torment, because He focused on the reward and not the pain.
«Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls» (Hebrews, 12:1-3).
Looking to the reward, Moses could easily forsake the riches of Egypt and choose the path of pain and sufferings, walking it along with the people of God.
«..esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he looked to the reward» (Hebrews, 11:26).
When we look to the reward and not the suffering and pain, it inspires us and helps us to rejoice and not be weary when going through the trials.
«Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day. For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen» (2 Corinthians, 4:16-18).
God’s Word for you today is the following: concentrate on the reward, not on the pain and discomfort.God bless you!Till tomorrow!Pastor Rufus Ajiboye

Similar Posts

  • The best and most influential sermon we can ever preach is the message of our lives

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    My life preaches even when I don’t know about it. This is why it is so important to be changed so that our lives reflect what we say and comply with it. Our lives must be our loudest sermon and not our words. It is the will of God for us.God changes us not only through trials and hardships, but also through His grace and mercy.

  • Lay hold on eternal life! III

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
    Laying hold of eternal life means that a person strives to stay on the narrow road which leads to eternal life. Jesus knew that it would be so convenient for many to walk the broad road; being on this road, a person feels comfortable and lives without any restrictions; he does what he wants to do and is not limited by any commitments. But the Bible says that it is the way of sin, because a person is not accountable and moves ‘without brakes’, so to speak; this way leads to destruction. God says that we shouldn’t walk on this way. We must flee sin; we must cast aside all the worldly, ungodly things that hinder us, otherwise we won’t get to our destination – eternal life. Jesus says that many people will deny faith.

  • How important for us is to use our homes and special celebrations for the spiritual work we are called to do

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 2 minutes
    My dear friend, I would like you to think how you could use your times of special celebration, parties and other opportunities for bringing the gospel to your unsaved relatives, friends and acquaintances.In 1 Corinthians 10:31 the bible reminds us that whatever we do, we must do it for the glory of the Lord:“So whatever you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God”

  • Definitely write down the vision you receive from God!

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 4 minutes
    First of all, you need a revelation from God. Learning to recognise the voice of your Heavenly Father and getting to know Him as your best friend is vitally important. God is willing to give you wisdom, understanding and revelation in every sphere of your life. Though, when a revelation and wisdom are received from God, you have to write them down in whole. Then it becomes a spring of life, that gives breathe to you and brings hope that releases faith and trust on God in you.To write something down means to record the vision a paper. We have to put it down clearly, the way it makes sense to us later. Thus, we can bring our vision into reality, so that we can expect it and put our hopes upon. This is one of the methods how to cling with the vision together and dedicate yourself to fulfil it. Prophet Habakkuk reminds us about the importance of writing down the vision you have received from God.

  • Please stop finding fault and shifting blame

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 2 minutes
    Other people might be responsible for where you are in life, but nobody is responsible for your continuing to stay where you are. Until you stop finding fault and shifting blame, you will not rise up and take responsibility for your advancement in life. Here is what God want you to do from today on:Don’t blame the devil, resist him (James 4: 7); Don’t blame God, obey Him (Genesis 3: 12-13); Don’t blame your challenges and predicaments; fight your way through them by faith (Number chapter 12-14).

  • It is the content of your heart that determines where your life is heading! IV

    AutorsPastor Rufus Ajiboye Reading Time: 3 minutes
    “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls” (James, 1:21).This is a very profound verse of Scripture that must be considered and closely examined. But I would like to draw your attention to several points. Here the Bible talks about the implanted Word which saves our souls. It resembles the process of engrafting a branch of tree into another tree, after which these trees become one, since they have the same root system. The implanted Word must be one with me. God wants His Word to be planted in my heart so that the Word and I become one because it is only then will the word be able save my soul.