HOST: Michael Whitworth
And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. “Blessed are you who are hungry now, for you shall be satisfied. “Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. “Blessed are you when people hate you and when they exclude you and revile you and spurn your name as evil, on account of the Son of Man! Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.
In Luke’s account of what we call the Beatitudes, he focuses on the now vs. later aspect of these teachings of Jesus. While this life might hold hardships, struggles, sorrows, and trials of different kinds in the here and now, Jesus gives us the comfort of knowing that those difficulties will be turned into joy and rejoicing in the hereafter. Maybe Paul states it best when he says, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us,” (Romans 8:18). There are definitely times in our lives when we encounter situations and circumstances that are difficult and painful, some almost unbearable. God understands those times and knows our struggles. But He has a plan for us, and those hardships that we are asked to bear in this life will only serve to strengthen us and make the rest and rewards of heaven that much sweeter. So be patient and be strong, for the reward is well worth the struggle.
How have your struggles strengthened you and your faith?
Don’t forget to pray and have a great day!
