It Will Be Worth It All When We See Jesus!
"For I reckon 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
This is one of my favorite songs that I sing to myself often. It was written by Esther Kerr Rusthoi in 1930. Esther was going through some particular hard and difficult times in her own life when she wrote these words down on paper. I know we all have gone through or are going through difficult times in our lives, but we just need to keep reminding ourselves that as the song says, “This is not our home we're just passing through.” I think most of us get caught up and distracted with everyday life and we begin to believe in the notion that this is all there is. What we live here on earth in the now. We need to remember that this isn't all there is and that our lives here on earth are lived with one thing and goal in mind, that Heaven is our home and that is our final destination for all eternity. Praise God!
“My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.”
James 1:2-4
As I write this, one of my lifelong friends who has been battling cancer for several years is getting ready to meet Jesus. It breaks my heart as she has been a friend almost from the beginning of her life. One of the sweetest people that I have ever had the pleasure to know on a personal level. She and I talked or texted every day for the last many months as her health declined and mine also. She called me about a week ago and we talked about Heaven and how wonderful it is going to be. She prayed for me, and I prayed for her through tears. But now she is getting ready to meet her Savior that she has served and loved all these years. Her strength and faith have been such an encouragement to me. Her faith never faltered. I will miss her so very much and her friendship in my life.
“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;”
2 Corinthians 4:17
I think about the heroes of faith talked about in Hebrews 11. They went through so much in their lifetimes. They were stoned, they were persecuted, they were ostracized from their families, they were put in unbelievable circumstances but yet chose to praise the Lord and put their faith in Him even as they faced death. Many of us are going through trials and heartaches, so we need to follow their example by putting our trust and faith in God and His plan and purpose for our lives. We may not understand it, we may not like it at times, it may be unbelievably painful, but still His truth remains. So, we need to trust Him; we need to have faith in His plan for our lives even though sometimes it makes no sense. As most of us have experienced, that is easier said than done, isn't it? But as we do, our faith gets stronger and then something incredible and wonderful happens. We start to look forward to Heaven so much more and what awaits us there and most of all seeing the face of our Savior and Lord. Be strong and steadfast knowing that our reward in Heaven will make all the suffering and trials down here worthwhile.
Sing it with me:
“Oft times the day seems long, our trials hard to bear,
We’re tempted to complain, to murmur and despair;
But Christ will soon appear to catch His Bride away,
All tears forever over in God’s eternal day”
“It will be worth it all when we see Jesus,
Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ;
One glimpse of His dear face all sorrow will erase,
So bravely run the race till we see Christ.
But until then ……..
About the Author
Debby, the daughter of our church founder, has dedicated her life to serving God at Fairwinds Baptist Church. Now a retired pastor's wife, she continues to inspire us with uplifting devotionals, choosing joy despite her health struggles. Her unwavering faith enriches our community and reflects our mission to know God through Jesus Christ.
