Cross Comes Before Crown – Week of August 31, 2026
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.
Romans 8:18
Cross Comes Before Crown
A wrestler doesn’t show up for a competition and claim his trophy without first putting his body through rigorous training. He goes through total body strength training. He builds his cardiovascular endurance through intense conditioning. He focuses on flexibility and mobility to prevent injury. He follows a strict diet which provides fuel for his workouts and competitions. A wrestler’s training is not meant to be fun. It is meant to challenge, to test, and to prepare him for the ultimate prize that he seeks, whether it be a medal, trophy or money. A wrestler goes through much physical and mental suffering while training for a big match. But any serious wrestler will tell you that all the training and conditioning that he goes through doesn’t compare to winning a match and receiving the prize he was striving for.
The Apostle Paul speaks of suffering in Romans 8:18 when he writes, “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.” Paul certainly went through his share of suffering. Paul went through physical suffering when he was persecuted for preaching the gospel. He was whipped, beaten, stoned, and imprisoned. He went through environmental dangers, traveling through deserts and wildernesses. He was often hungry and sleep-deprived. He was bit by a venomous snake once. He also struggled with emotional pain. He had concern for the churches he was trying to plant and encourage. He often faced rejection of the message that he brought.
In the midst of all these sufferings, Paul never lost sight of the hope that he was preaching. He knew that whatever happened to him in this world, it was not worth comparing to what he would experience in the next life. He looked forward to the eternal glory of heaven. However, Paul knew that his eternal reward wasn’t due to the suffering he went through.
In the same way, these verses are meant to be encouragement to endure your suffering with faith. What are you enduring right now in your life? Is there illness? Family issues? Challenges at work? Whatever you are going through, these trials do not compare to the glory you will experience for eternity in heaven.
Meanwhile, God does not leave us to our own devices. Isaiah 41:10 encourages, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” Trust that God will bring you through your present sufferings and hold you in his hand until his glory is finally revealed in heaven.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, when we face trials and suffering in this life, help us to trust in your promise of heaven. Keep our eyes fixed on you until at last we see you in all your glory. Amen.
