Paul knew what suffering was all about He had gone with out food, he had been is storms and shipwrecks, he had been whipped and stoned for his faith, and he also suffered from a thorn in the flesh. It is not likely that we will be stoned for our faith in God, nor is it likely that we will experience a shipwreck anytime soon but it is very likely that we could suffer from a thorn in the flesh. Not all suffering is from sickness, or grief, some suffering is brought on by others. If we suffer because of another not only does this keep us praying for our own strength it will keep us praying for others!
 
Glory
 
The best is yet to come… John 14:1-3 tells us that God has gone to prepare a place for us. Heaven will be a place of no more pain, no more death, no more tears, and no more suffering.
 
Philippians 1:21-23 tells us that to depart and be with Christ is far better. Far better than anything we’ve ever experienced on this earth.
 
Revelations 5:9 tells us that heaven is a place of music
Revelation 7:9-12 tells us that heaven is a place of praise
Revelation 7:13-15 tells us that heaven is a place of service
Revelation 7:16-17 tells us that heaven is a place of comfort
Revelation 14:13 tells of that heaven is a place of rest
Revelation 19:7 tells us that heaven is a place of rejoicing
Revelation 21:1-6 also tells us that that there will be no more sickness, no more sorrow, and no more death.
 
No matter what trials you face, or what pain you experience remember earthly suffering is only for a season, but the Glory of Heaven will be for eternity!

Written with Love, Pastor Ralph Stacy "Hibbits"

Art Work © Greg Olsen