Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later. Romans 8:18
What comes to mind when you think of the word “temporary”? For some, the word “temporary” brings relief. For others, this word brings unease because they like stability. For each one of us, there is one instance in which the word temporary certainly brings immense hope and relief, and that is that our trials and suffering are temporary. Indeed, Scripture teaches us that the struggles, suffering, and heartaches we face here on this earth are temporary. The life we will spend forever with God one day, however, when Jesus returns and redeems and restores everything, will last forever.
The apostle Paul explains to us in Romans 8 that the suffering we face on earth cannot compare to the eternity we will spend with God in heaven one day. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, “What we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory He will reveal to us later” (verse 18). Let the truth from these verses settle over your heart and mind. As heartbreaking and as difficult as our struggles are here on this earth, they will not compare to what God has in store for His people one day. They will seem so insignificant to us as we spend eternity with God one day. This is the perspective that we need. Remember, Paul certainly understood what it meant to walk through suffering. He was beaten, jailed, and persecuted for His faith in Christ. He endured everything by focusing on eternity with Christ, which will last forever, unlike his temporary suffering.
Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, adds to our understanding of trials and why they can’t compare to what God has in store for us in 1st Peter 5. He wrote in this passage of Scripture, “In His kindness, God called you to share in His eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, He will restore, support, and strengthen you, and He will place you on a firm foundation” (verse 10). Do not miss the teaching in this passage of Scripture. Our suffering is temporary. It will last “a little while.” Yes, suffering may feel eternal as we walk through it, but it is temporary. God’s glory, which He calls us to share in, is eternal. It will last forever. And one day, He will restore, support, and strengthen us. This is the hope we have to cling to during our trials and suffering.
Whatever you are facing today, maybe you need a perspective shift. Maybe you need a reminder that things will not always be this way. Your suffering and trials are temporary. The joy awaiting you as you spend eternity with Christ will last forever. This is the promise you can claim amidst your trials and hardships. As heartbreaking and as difficult as our trials here on earth are, they can’t compare to what God has in store for His people one day.
Memorize 1st Peter 5:10. Bring it to mind very often as you go throughout your day. Let this verse bring you comfort and perspective as you walk through the difficulties and the suffering you are facing. Remember, your suffering is temporary. Eternal life with God will last forever.
“God, as I focus on Your eternal kingdom and the eternity with You awaiting all who place their faith in Christ, I praise You because…”
1st Peter 5:1-15
1And now, a word to you who are elders in the churches. I, too, am an elder and a witness to the sufferings of Christ. And I, too, will share in his glory when he is revealed to the whole world. As a fellow elder, I appeal to you: 2 Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. 3 Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. 4 And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor.
5 In the same way, you who are younger must accept the authority of the elders. And all of you, dress yourselves in humility as you relate to one another, for
“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
6 So humble yourselves under the mighty power of God, and at the right time he will lift you up in honor. 7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.
8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 9 Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are.
10 In his kindness God called you to share in his eternal glory by means of Christ Jesus. So after you have suffered a little while, he will restore, support, and strengthen you, and he will place you on a firm foundation. 11 All power to him forever! Amen.
12 I have written and sent this short letter to you with the help of Silas, whom I commend to you as a faithful brother. My purpose in writing is to encourage you and assure you that what you are experiencing is truly part of God’s grace for you. Stand firm in this grace.
13 Your sister church here in Babylon sends you greetings, and so does my son Mark. 14 Greet each other with a kiss of love.
Peace be with all of you who are in Christ.
©2026 Sagebrush Church
