Suffering The Requirement for Upgrade

Suffering: The Requirement For Upgrade ("suffering is the payment for blessings" or "suffering is the requirement for future glory or upgrades") Text: Romans: 8:16-18 16 The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory. 18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Biblical Context: 1. Present Suffering: Paul acknowledges the reality of suffering in the Christian life. Earlier in Romans 8, he speaks about the challenges of living in a fallen world and the groaning of creation (Romans 8:22-23). This suffering can include persecution, trials, and the struggles of living for Christ in a sinful world. 2. Future Glory: Paul contrasts these sufferings with the "glory that will be revealed in us." This refers to the ultimate redemption and transformation believers will experience when Christ returns. It’s the hope of being fully united with God and transformed into His likeness. 3. Eternal Perspective: Paul encourages believers to adopt an eternal perspective. Though painful, the trials we endure now are temporary and pale compared to the eternal joy, the restoration, and the glory we will experience. God often uses suffering to prepare us, refine us, and position us for greater things. 1. Suffering as Preparation: Joseph, endured years of suffering before stepping into his role as Egypt's second-in-command. His suffering refined his character and prepared him for his future glory. The Bible says: 3 Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us. suffering teaches us dependence on God, builds perseverance, and molds our character (Romans 5:3-5). 1. David: From Shepherd to King Suffering: David was anointed king as a young shepherd, but he didn’t step into his kingship immediately. Instead, he endured years of suffering, including being relentlessly pursued by King Saul, who wanted to kill him. David lived as a fugitive, hiding in caves and facing constant danger. Glory/Upgrade: Through this suffering, God shaped David into a man after His own heart (1 Samuel 13:14). The trials taught David dependence on God, humility, and trust. When he finally became king, he was not just a ruler but a shepherd-king, one who cared for God's people with wisdom and compassion. Here me, what is your trial teaching you, or better yet, what are you learning from your sufferings? They come to teach us something, I’m afraid that if we don’t learn the lesson we repeat the sufferings. Let us learn so that we can go to the next level and upgrade to better. Sometimes, God allows us to go through a "wilderness" season to refine us, grow our faith, and prepare us for greater responsibility and influence. You can influence people when you’ve been through something, not when you read about it. 2. Hannah: From Barrenness to Mother of a Prophet Suffering: Hannah endured the pain of barrenness while being taunted by Peninnah, her husband's other wife. Her suffering was compounded by the cultural stigma of not being able to bear children, which in that culture and time was seen as a sign of failure or disfavor. Glory/Upgrade: Hannah's persistent prayers and faith in God led to the miraculous birth of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets. She not only received the blessing of a child but also the honor of dedicating him to God’s service, impacting the nation of Israel. If we get anything from this is that while we are suffering we must be praying 2. Suffering as a Pathway to Glory: Jesus example. He endured the cross ("present suffering") for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:2). His resurrection brought glory not only to Himself but also to all who believe in Him. Please share this episode with someone else and be blessed. Please see the links below to support us financially. God bless you. Life’s Happening Devotional Book is Availble for Purchase at Amazon: https://a.co/d/4VWvg9Z Get your Life's Happening Podcast Swag Clothing at https://gi-apparels.printify.me/products Please email us at [email protected]. Please visit our website to purchase your Copy of our 30-Day Devotional Book: https://lifeshappeningdevotional.com/... Check out our YouTube Podcast Channel and Subscribe and share it with others: ⁠   / @lifeshappeningdevotional