The context for those of us who have been born-again in eternity is eternal life, inexpressible joy, pleasures forevermore, loved beyond anything that we can experience here in this life. Incomprehensible peace both of the mind and the heart, a new body that will always be new, freed from every vestige of sin, pain, suffering and sorrow never to be experienced again.
“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (1st Cor. 2:9)
In this life though, in this life we will suffer. Pain, both of the physical body and of the mind, and if not a constant companion, then visited upon us on a regular basis. Cruel mocking’s, separated from all we once knew and loved, ostracized by those who once called us friends. Frustrations, disbelief in the knowledge of those who refuse the grace and mercy of the Living God that calls them to Himself.
Pride and lust assail us, our adversary never relents his attacks upon us, peace lasts for only moments, and we seek for the escape into our Savior’s arms that seems to be so far into the future.
“As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” (Romans 8:36)
I have much difficulty, though I rarely speak this truth to their face, with those who profess to serve the Lord Jesus Christ that proclaim life is wonderful for them, that their cares are few and far between, who will agree that this world does indeed have “some problems,” but that they are expected, that if we would all just pray everything would be better.
With those who cannot understand when a minor inconvenience enters into their life why the Lord would allow such a thing to happen to them, much less suffering, pain and sorrow. Who expect the path to be smooth continuously, that the Lord wants nothing bad to occur in their lives, who believe happiness is joy and suffering is a punishment.
If they are resting here, what eternal rest do they hope for? If they are relatively at peace with this world, if their cares are small, if they have no real burdens and find contentment and pleasure in this life, then how would being in heaven increase their joy any?
“If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us:” (2nd Tim. 2:12)
Suffering in any form to these is averted at all costs, the chastisement of the Almighty would seem a correction they should not be asked to bear. To these, happiness, contentment and receiving the pleasures and security of this world is proof that they are one of His.
When the exact opposite is the truth.
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
“If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before it hated you.” (John 15:18)
“For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law.” (Matt. 10:35)
Does this world hate you? Do those you once knew as friends now call you their enemy, not perhaps openly, but easily seen in their associations with you today? Has your relationship with family and friends lessened because of the Lord Jesus Christ’s love in your heart, do you see the way of this world as vile and wicked, do your frustrations with it grow with each passing day?
The flesh, your old nature, does it vex you nearly constantly and the battle against it some days seems insurmountable. Temptations at every turn, suffering, pain, frustrations and sorrow around every corner.
“Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)
Then you will know rest, you will be rested.
Those who have been born-again have promises awaiting us in eternity that we cannot conceive the joy of, in this life we have the promises of suffering.
Suffer well for His name, always with the unfailing assurance of His promises.
