When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come to pass: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”

— 1 Corinthians 15:54

17 And if we are children, then we are heirs: heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ—if indeed we suffer with Him, so that we may also be glorified with Him.

18 I consider that our present sufferings are not comparable to the glory that will be revealed in us.

— Romans 8:17-18

And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”

— Revelation 21:4

I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

— John 16:33

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, salvation and joy from Jesus Christ to you.

The future is bright for us God’s children. God promises that pain and suffering will end because “death has been swallowed in victory.” God will reverse sin’s curse and deliver His people from this world’s trouble. The future absence of suffering directly relates to the absence of sin. Paul declared, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Revelation consummates God’s hope for His suffering children is that He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. God strengthens His people to persevere through suffering. He will deliver His people.

Though God’s people may suffer because of sin’s corrosive force in the world and our identification with Christ, yet we know His sacrifice has saved us, He has overcome the world, and He has assured us of the power to live for Him. Suffering presents an invitation to grow into the likeness of our suffering Savior. God’s high purpose is to grow us into the image of Jesus Christ and to prepare us for eternity. Let’s continue in faith and courageously represent Christ in this world. God holds us secure and gives us His strength. Sometimes God may even bring us supernatural protection and rescue. Even when He does not, His strength delivers us through the suffering with even more radiant character. Amen!