It Will all be Worth it

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Romans 8:18 ESV

In a story out of East Texas published Saturday, it was reported that the cheers of runners’ families and friends were all that could be heard in South Tyler on Saturday morning at the 11th annual Fresh 15. The sold-out event hosted around 4,000 participants for four races, which started and ended at the Fresh grocery store off Old Jacksonville Highway. “I got four hours of sleep last night, but it was all worth it,” said 15k runner Elisabeth Scott after posing for a celebratory picture outside the afterparty grounds. While Scott didn’t receive a winning check at the end of the finish line, she tells us she did have some unexpected luck. “I found a twenty while I was walking! Sorry to whoever lost this, but thank you for supporting me!”

And you know, when it comes to completing hard things that will be ‘worth it’ in the end, Paul wisely said that “the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” I don’t know about you, but in a world full of trials of various kinds and severities, this brings me great peace. You see, the Bible is clear that believers will have troubles in this world. But, as Paul came to understand, followers of Jesus Christ can more easily endure these inevitable hardships, setbacks and difficulties when they keep an eternal perspective—by remembering that pressing on will be hard now but worth the effort in the end because they will be with Him forever. That’s quite a reward, isn’t it? 

So resist the urge to tap out my friend. Your troubles may seem big right now with no end to them in sight, but they won’t last forever. I promise. A day is coming soon when there will be no more tears, no more pain, and no more sorrow and we will look back and say, “It was all worth it.” 

Heavenly Father, thank you for reminding us that as followers of Jesus we aren’t immune to suffering and problems. Help us to embrace them for what they are achieving in us Lord, as we look to the glory that will be revealed in the end. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!