Cross Comes Before Crown – August 30, 2026

One key truth: The Christian should expect to face suffering in this world as we wait for the glory Jesus has for us in heaven.

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

Suffering is part of the Christian life.

How does that statement make you feel? I’m guessing it doesn’t give you the warm fuzzies inside. Suffering? Because I’m a Christian? I think I’d rather avoid that…

There are people who will tell you that you can avoid suffering as a Christian. They’ll tell you that you can expect earthly blessings and prosperity when you give your life to Jesus.

Do you know who doesn’t talk like that? Jesus and the apostles. They make it abundantly clear that Christians will suffer in a broken world—and sometimes specifically because of their faith. Does that mean everything is doom and gloom? Does it mean we should abandon the faith?

Absolutely not!

Jesus shows us the pattern: first the cross, then the crown.

Jesus did not avoid suffering. He could have. He could have stayed in heaven and never experienced one ounce of suffering. But he didn’t. Instead, Jesus entered into our broken world and willingly subjected himself to suffering at the hands of sinful men. He endured unimaginable suffering in order to obtain future glory for you and me.

Jesus faced his cross for us. He tells us that we will face crosses as we follow him. You might lose a friend because you refuse to go along with something wrong. You might feel alone when you stand on God’s Word. But that’s not a bad thing. It’s an honor to be counted worthy to suffer for the one who suffered to give us eternal life.

And suffering never gets the final word. Jesus promises us future glory. First the cross, then the crown! The sufferings we face here on earth have an expiration date. They will not last forever. The glory ahead of us is so enormous that today’s pain cannot even compare.

One day Jesus will come back and take all believers to be with him in heaven. When that day comes, we will see that Jesus kept every promise and carried us through every hardship. We will experience a glory that will make all of the suffering worth it.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, help me to endure the suffering of this world while I wait for the everlasting glory awaiting me in heaven. Amen.