If you had to choose between suffering greatly in this world but living enthralled in eternity versus living trouble-free in this world but suffering in hell for all eternity, which would you choose? I know it sounds simplistic, but often that’s what it comes down to. I think it is our being puzzled as to why we suffer so much in this world that makes us question our faith in God. But by becoming Christians, we have chosen the former rather than the latter – that is, you have chosen to suffer in this world so that you will live enthralled in eternity.

“We are children of God… heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” Romans 8:17

It seems that the only way to heaven is through a gauntlet of suffering. There really is no other way. To be Christian, a child of God, is to suffer. The only way not to suffer is to be unchristian. But that is to suffer forever in hell.

Why can’t it be both? Why can’t we live happily now and then live enthralled in heaven? Might as well ask why the elephants have a long nose and we human beings have two ears. In other words, they just are. God made them that way. The way to glory is through suffering.

Expect suffering. That is the only way to glory.

And rejoice in your suffering because you are on the right path.

PH