Concentrate on the reward, not on the pain and discomfort

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